Hornets Reactions: Second-half Jazz run leads to blowout win over Charlotte
Despite leading by double digits in the third quarter and trailing by just one entering the fourth quarter, the Hornets were blown out on Monday night, falling to Utah 132-110.
The Hornets matched the Jazz shot-for-shot for much of the first half and went on their own run in the third quarter to open up an 81-70 lead just shy of the midway point of the third period. From there, visiting Charlotte was outscored 62-29 in the final 18:50 of the game.
For the second time this season, Utah set a franchise record for 3-pointers against the Hornets, finishing with 28 makes in 55 attempts on Monday. Across the two games against Charlotte this season, Utah shot 53-for-105 (50.4%) from 3-point territory.
Of greater concern than the final result for Utah, though, was an injury late in the third to Gordon Hayward. After falling on his right hand, Hayward exited the game and did not return. The Hornets announced that he had re-aggravated a right hand injury, likely the broken bone he suffered in the preseason.
LaMelo Ball and Hayward each finished with 21 points to lead Charlotte while Malik Monk had 20.
The Good: First 30 minutes
For much of the first three quarters, the argument could fairly easily be made that the Hornets had outplayed the Jazz with Utah's 3-point shooting making up the difference. Particularly, across the opening 2.5 quarters, Charlotte was absolutely in control, culminating in a fastbreak dunk from P.J. Washington to put the visitors up 81-70. Hayward and Ball specifically stood out in the opening 30 minutes. In the first half, the duo combined for 31 points and helped Charlotte take that double-digit lead in the third period. Honorable mentions: Malik Monk
The Bad: Injuries
While it's not the first time this season the Hornets have lost a starter midway through a game, it doesn't make it any easier. Already down Devonte' Graham, Hayward's injury left Charlotte down 40% of their starting lineup and their leading scorer on the season, more importantly. For now, the status of Hayward's injury is unknown, though head coach James Borrego said he thinks the forward will be considered day-to-day moving forward. Charlotte can ill afford yet another injury this year.
LaMelo Ball: Strong start, quiet close
Ball certainly did not lack confidence entering Monday's game. In the team's previous match-up with Utah, Ball had arguably the best game of his rookie season, pouring in 34 points and helping stage a late rally for the Hornets. He wasn't far off that pace in the first half in Utah, scoring 16 points and adding some style of his patented flair along the way. https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1364049229862170625 However, as the game got away from the Hornets in the second half, Ball faded away as well. He finished the night with 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting overall and 2-of-7 shooting from 3-point range. Ball added seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in 38 minutes in the loss.
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