Despite a workmen’s-like comeback attempt and a huge game from James Bouknight, the Hornets faced too steep of an uphill climb on Thursday in Las Vegas at the 2023 NBA 2K23 Summer League. Charlotte tried to overcome a 20-point, first-quarter deficit against the New Orleans Pelicans but fell short by six, 89-83.
After a disappointing start in the first four games, third-year guard Bouknight had his breakout summer league performance. He came into the contest averaging 8.7 points on a dismal 29.3 percent shooting, including 20.0 percent from beyond the arc but knocked the rust off and exploded against the Pelicans, registering 28 points on 11-of-21 (52.4%) shooting from the field, while knocking down 4-of-9 3-pointers (44.4%) and collecting seven boards.
With the Hornets also having to contend with the absence of key players Brandon Miller and Kai Jones, who were both shut down for the remainder of the summer league, Bouknight stepped up to the plate.
“This summer league I haven’t been focused on scoring the ball,” said Bouknight after being asked about his increased offensive role in the absence of Miller. “I’ve just been focusing on the little intangibles – things that will help me get into the rotation… as a collective group, we just wanted to get back in the game and stay in the fight.”
That is because after a putrid 0-of-14 start from the field and falling behind 25-5 after the opening quarter, the Hornets were looking for a spark anywhere they could find it and got it from the bench.
Both Leaky Black (eight points) and Kobi Simmons scratched and clawed to get the Hornets back in the game. Black’s two triples early on in second period, helped close the gap for the Hornets, while Simmons showcased his skills by driving into the lane and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with three points and three assists.
The Hornets’ determination was evident to close the second. They finished off the first half with an impressive 11-1 surge capped by a big Bryce McGowens triple that managed to trim the lead to just five points at the break, 39-34.
Charlotte showed unwavering fight throughout the second half led by Bouknight, but the early deficit was too much to overcome against the Pelicans.
“I was proud, and I commended them on their effort to claim back in that game,” Hornets Summer League Head Coach Marlon Garnett said. “I told them they could’ve easily folded. We’ve played 5-6 games and been in some close ones. They could’ve easily folded up, but they didn’t so that says a lot about them and the group we’ve had.”
McGowens finished with 19 points and four rebounds, and Nick Smith Jr. did a little bit of everything, adding 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
“I’m feeling more comfortable,” said Smith, when asked about his performance “I feel like my pace is getting better.”
Dereon Seabron led the way for the Pelicans with 20 points, followed by Dyson Daniels with 16 points and five rebounds in the victory.
The Hornets will close out Summer League action against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, July 15 beginning at 2:30 PM ET on NBA TV.
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