After three preseason games, the Charlotte Hornets finally came out with a victory over the Orlando Magic
The anticipation for the 2020 NBA season has been at an all-time high for Charlotte Hornets fans. This could be because the Hornets did not make it anywhere close to Walt Disney World with the other teams in the NBA bubble and the fans have missed watching their beloved team.
Moreover, maybe it’s because a new NBA season means we are closer to leaving the year 2020 behind us and back to some semblance of normal. Or maybe still it’s because the Hornets picked LaMelo Ball with the number 3 overall pick in this years NBA draft. Whatever the reasons may be, the anticipation is high for the Hornets’ season, as well as the fans’ expectations.
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Through the first two preseason games, the Hornets got out to big leads, just to see it crumble away in the second half and ultimately lose to the Toronto Raptors. LaMelo had zero points in his first preseason game but turned things around in his second game against the Raptors, scoring 12 points in 20 minutes of play. In each game, they made a push at the end but ultimately came up short. Something Charlotte fans are used to seeing.
Coach James Borrego and company righted the ship on Thursday by beating previous Charlotte Hornets’ head coach Steve Clifford and his team, the Orlando Magic. Once again Charlotte got out to an early lead, just to see it falter down the stretch. Unlike the first two games, the Hornets found a way to hold on to the lead, due in large part to Terry Rozier III, Devonte’ Graham, and LaMelo Ball.
Terry Rozier III led the Hornets in points and rebounds with 20 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes, while Devonte’ Graham led the team in assists with 6. Both he and LaMelo Ball scored 18 points in 28 minutes and 26 minutes respectfully. Miles Bridges came in at third in points on the team with 17 points. More important than the impressive stats was the chemistry the team has continued to build.
While the win was impressive, there were a few other things that could arguably give Charlotte fans, even more, to be excited about. For the third game in a row, LaMelo Ball’s passing was deadly accurate as he continues to build chemistry with Miles Bridges.
Another thing to be excited about is the pureness of Terry Rozier’s shot, as well as the hot hands of both he and Devonte’ Graham. And last but certainly not least, LaMelo Ball hit 44% of his three-pointers in the win against the Magic.
With one game left in the 2020-2021 preseason, the Hornets will look to continue to build team chemistry and to hold on to early leads. If there is one that that is for sure, it’s that this is the most exciting Hornets team we have seen in a long time.