Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets fall to New Orleans Pelicans in home opener

By Evan Birchmore

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on October 21, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on October 21, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets suffered their first defeat of the season in their home opener tonight, falling to the visiting New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 124-112.

Gordon Hayward led the way for Charlotte with 26 points on 12/19 shooting while Jonas Valančiūnas led New Orleans with 30 points and 17 rebounds.

What went right for the Charlotte Hornets?

The offense was humming – The Hornets enjoyed a solid night on the offensive end of the floor, with six different players scoring in double figures. Charlotte shot 13/34 (38.2%) from three-point range as a team and registered 30 assists, up from 26 in their season opener.

Jalen McDaniels showed up and showed out – Fourth-year forward Jalen McDaniels had a stellar night, posting 14 points and five rebounds on 5/7 shooting. He tied a career high with four three-pointers, and did so on 4/4 shooting from beyong the arc. McDaniels finished with a team-high +7 plus-minus.

What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?

Fouls and free throw discrepancy – Charlotte could not stop fouling, and in turn allowed the Pelicans to attempt 37 free throws. The visitors took advantage, converting on 32/37 (86.5%) of their free throw attempts and outscoring Charlotte by 23 points from the foul line.

Rebounding issues – Charlotte was also dominated on the boards, getting outrebounded by a 53-37 margin. Jonas Valančiūnas was a major issue throughout the game, and his 17 rebounds is now tied for the most by a player in a game so far this season.

The injury bug bit for the second game in a row – Terry Rozier appeared to injure his ankle in the closing minutes of the game. While he was able to walk under his own power and remained in the game, his status will be worth monitoring for a Hornets team already missing LaMelo Ball and Cody Martin.

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Sunday, October 23rd – at Atlanta Hawks – 5:00 p.m. ET

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