Hornets Offensive Woes Continue in 103-90 Loss to Cavaliers

The Hornets, missing 4 of their top 6 leading scorers, just couldn’t pull it out against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night losing 103-90. This was a second game of a back-to-back and it was obvious they needed their top players back healthy and in the rotation.

In the 1st quarter, the Hornets were able to create good looks, but they had a hard time getting anything to fall. Dovonte’ Graham and Miles Bridges really struggled. They were 4/16 from the field going into the half.
The Hornets’ defense was a spark plug. Even though they trailed most of the 1st half, they didn’t let the game get out of hand because they played good defense. Their shot blocking was sub-par, and the Cavs were able to maintain their lead because of their dominance in the paint.

Terry Rozier, who came back off of injury Wednesday night, was able to keep the Hornets in the game in the first half contributing 12 points. When Rozier wasn’t orchestrating the offense, the Hornets appeared to be in disarray, which led to hurried shots late in possessions.

The Hornets were able to start the 2nd half on a 11-5 run and tie the game 54-54. Once again, when Rozier exited the game, the team found it hard to create anything on offense. The Cavs were able to seize control of the game and at one point led by double figures. Charlotte was able to fight back but still ended the 3rd quarter trailing by 9. Bridges and Rozier were able to lift up the Hornets going into the 4th quarter.

In the 4th quarter, the Hornets came out flat. They not only missed open opportunities on offense, but on defense they couldn’t put together stops. Cavs’ Taurean Prince was able to keep the Hornets at bay hitting 3 critical long range shots in the closing minutes to ice the game. He finished 9 of 13 from the field including 6 of 8 from the 3-point line, with a game high 25 points.

Rozier had 22 points to lead the Hornets and Bridges was right behind with 20 points. These contributions were still not enough to overcome the lack of fire power the Hornets needed. With this loss, they fall to 8th place in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Their next game will be extremely difficult because they are playing one of the best teams in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets.