Charlotte Hornets: One stud and one dud in loss to Cleveland

The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night by a score of 113-110. Charlotte battled back from a 19 point deficit but it wouldn’t be enough as Cleveland would hang on to secure the victory.

The Hornets just refuse to play a normal basketball game, having to come from behind in just about every single game that they have played in this season. This was the second time Charlotte and Cleveland faced off, the first game ended in a Hornets victory but this time Cleveland would be able to even the series at one a piece.

A brilliant start to the game from Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen played a big part in the Cavaliers building their lead.

Charlotte Hornets: One dud in loss to Cleveland – Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward was not good at all tonight against the Cavaliers. The Hornets star forward posted just 6 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds in 29 minutes. Hayward has started a majority of the games this season very slowly and was able to figure it out. Tonight that wouldn’t be the case as he never seemed to get into the groove of the game.

Cleveland does start three 7-footers in Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. It is possible the length of this lineup got the best of Hayward tonight. Either way, he’ll need to bounce back strong after putting up back-to-back dud-worthy games the past two nights.

Charlotte Hornets: One stud in loss to Cleveland – LaMelo Ball

How good is this kid? LaMelo Ball yet again put this Hornets team on his back and almost carried them to a win. Ball finished the game with 30 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds while shooting 5 of 8 from three-point range.

Ball got in foul trouble early, picking up two quick fouls in the first quarter. This is becoming a common trend and is something that needs to be addressed. He ended up fouling out at the end of the game but this shouldn’t be the storyline after the performance he put on.

Ball is getting better and better each night, and right now he’s playing at an all-star caliber level. The Hornets know they have a star in their hands and even after a loss the future of this team couldn’t be any more exciting.

Tonight’s winner of “guess the top scorer”. Oscar didn’t pick the number of points but somehow was the only one who had faith in LaMelo Ball. That alone warrants a follow.