Everybody told you it was showtime.
The Charlotte Hornets didn’t disappoint in their season debut against the Indiana Pacers winning a close one 123-122.
It wasn’t always entertainment and bliss. In fact, we didn’t have those feelings until the 2nd half.
The Hornets continued their poor play from the preseason, bringing it into the first 2 quarters allowing 75 points to the Pacers in the first half.
Domantas Sabonis was set to make the 75th anniversary team and rookie Chris Duarte looked like an all-star in his first ever game.
Then in the 3rd Quarter, Charlotte would go on a 23-0 run setting up the victory. Gordon Hayward would discuss their final offensive possession after the game…. (audio)
Despite the miss, Gordon was excellent in the 4th quarter. He scored 10 points in the final 4 minutes and 30 seconds to help keep pace with Indiana and settle things down.
As good as he was down the stretch, nobody was as thrilling as LaMelo Ball last night.
His production only matched by his LaYellow threads after the game, LaMelo’s stat line was bananas. (We’re sticking with the yellow theme. Deal with it).
He scored 31 points on 7 made three’s, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 7 assists, and only had 2 turnovers.
And in case you didn’t notice, he received the MVP Chants during the game. The crowd showed up in Spectrum after initial scarcity for tipoff, but once they got there the people were loud.
It had all the ingredients for a loud environment. The comeback, one possession game, and future superstar play.
It’s as excited as I’ve ever heard the fans before attending the game at Spectrum Center, but that’s because LaMelo Ball gives them a reason to be. Charlotte starts the season 1-0.
