The Charlotte Hornets, led by Miles Bridges, had their best 3-point shooting game of the season, with 17, beating the Atlanta Hawks 130-127 on Sunday.
The Hornets were without four rotation players, LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels, due to NBA health and safety protocols. Their starting lineup consisted of Ish Smith, Kelly Oubre Jr., Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges and Nick Richards and that lineup came out better than expected.
Oubre hit three shots from downtown, giving the Hornets a small, early lead. JT Thor received some early first quarter minutes, but was off with his two 3-point attempts. The Hornets played on par with the Hawks throughout the first quarter. The game was tied 30-30 at the end of the quarter.
James Bouknight came into the game to start the second quarter for his first career first half minutes. Bridges and Hayward both had an effective second quarter to accompany Oubre in double figures. The Hornets led by double figures a few times in the quarter. Charlotte led by seven, 68-61, going into the locker room.
The Hornets connected on two 3-pointers on their first two possessions at the start of the third quarter, including one from Smith, to extend their led to eleven. A few minutes later, the Hawks hit three straight shots from the great beyond to close the deficit and take the lead, 89-87.
With the game going back and forth, Hayward and Martin combined to lead the Hornets on a 12-0 run and put them up by 10. At the end of the quarter, Martin’s 3-point attempt was on his fingertips when the red light came on. The Hornets led by seven going into the final quarter 99-92.
The Hornets offense started the fourth quarter ice cold from the field, which allowed the Hawks to get back in the game with an 11-2 start. A James Borrego timeout settled the Hornets down and at the same time, worked up Bridges. He took control of the offense after a Smith layup and put the Hornets within striking distance.
Oubre hit a 3-pointer and tied the game. Bridges hit a three, putting the Hornets back in the lead. Oubre hit another three and put the Hornets up by four. Bridges continued his hot hand and hit a pull-up jumper over John Collins that put the Hornets up six with just a minute left in regulation.
A Kevin Huerter three kept things interesting for the Hawks, but it was emphatically answered by a P.J. Washington dunk. The teams exchanged baskets, but the Hornets were never in danger from that point on.
Miles Bridges scored 32 points, with 4 boards and 4 assists for the Hornets. Kelly Oubre Jr. made six 3’s and scored 28 points, with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Ish Smith scored 18 points, had 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Gordon Hayward added 18 points, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
John Collins had a season-high 31 points, with 12 rebounds for the Hawks. Trae Young scored 25 points and had a season-high 15 assists. Kevin Hunter had a career-high 7 3-pointers, finishing with 28 points.
The Hawks travel to Minnesota on Monday to take on the Timberwolves. The Hornets host Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
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