Hornets Recap: Swarm, LaMelo Steamroll Magic, 128-101

The Charlotte Hornets returned home for a brief one-game home stand against the Orlando Magic on Thursday, April 7. While the Magic have little to play for (except trying to tank as many games as possible), the Swarm had to win tonight to pull closer to the Hawks and Nets in the Eastern Conference standings.

Thankfully, the Hornets did not overlook their opponents and escaped Carolina with an easy win. Dropping 70 points in the first half alone, Charlotte took a commanding 20-point lead into the break. In the second half, things got chippy. With three players being ejected in an already-decided game, the Swarm took care of business, 128-101.

LaMelo Ball did a little bit of everything in this one. He led the team in nearly every perceivable stat. He canned 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished nine assists, swiped four steals, and sank four triples. Each of those numbers led the team in the blowout. He’s pretty good, you know?

Remarkably, starters Miles Bridges and Mason Plumlee finished with negative plus-minus ratings on the night. With a -6 and -8, respectively, neither could get into a rhythm in this one.

Picking up their slack, Kelly Oubre, Montrezl Harrell, and Jalen McDaniels each finished with incredibly high plus-minus numbers. With Harrell and McDaniels each receiving a +31 and Oubre cashing in an unbelievable +41 in 23 minutes, they could do no wrong on either end of the court.

The Hornets dominated every facet of the game tonight. They had more assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, and free throws than their division rival. On top of this, they also shot 52.2% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc.

With the much-needed win in their pocket, the Swarm will travel to Chicago to play the Bulls on Friday, April 8. On the back-to-back, the Hornets will look to capitalize on a Bulls team that has been struggling mightily since the All-Star break.