The Charlotte Hornets got back on the winning track beating the undermanned Detroit Pistons on Saturday 107-94. The return of LaMelo Ball, after a 21-game absence, seemed to give the Hornets a spark both on offense and defense.
Both teams started off cold from the field. Seven minutes had elapsed in the first quarter and the score was a meager 11-8 in favor of the Hornets. Ball made a spectacular pass which was a highlight in the quarter. The Hornets were able to manufacture enough scoring to take a 7 point lead into the second quarter.
The Pistons went on a 7-0 run to open the second quarter and tie the game. The Hornets went on their own extended run, 19-2, to open up the game with a 55-36 lead. Miles Bridges capped the scoring with three tremendous dunks. At the half, the Hornets had a commanding 16 point lead over the Pistons.
It seemed like the Hornets were going to throw the knockout punch in the third quarter. They had a 21 point lead halfway through the quarter. But the Hornets offensive woes continued, only scoring 8 points the rest of the frame. The Pistons got back into the game, led by Frank Jackson and Saddiq Bey, getting as close as seven.
The lead was cut down to three when Jackson hit a 3-pointer assisted by Bey. The Hornets coach, James Borrego, called a timeout, which seemed to inspire the team. They went on a 13-0 run, all orchestrated by Bridges and Terry Rozier. The Pistons were never able to threaten the Hornets for the rest of the game, even with good shooting by Bey. Rozier put the game away with a 3-point shot with the clock winding down.
The Hornets had a block party, blocking 15 of the Pistons’ attempts. Bismack Biyombo made a big defensive contribution blocking 5 of those shots, while six Hornets players shared the other 10.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 29 point, 14 of them coming in the fourth quarter. Miles Bridges had 27 points of his own, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. LaMelo Ball contributed 11 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in his comeback. Frank Jackson led the Pistons with 25 points and Saddiq Bey added 22.
The Hornets are in the middle of a back-to-back. They play the Miami Heat on Sunday. It’s a crucial game for the playoff seeding for both teams.
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