Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets fly past Atlanta Hawks in Sunday road tilt

By Evan Birchmore

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 23: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts at the conclusion of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 23: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts at the conclusion of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets picked up an impressive road victory on Sunday evening, defeating the Atlanta Hawks by a final score of 126-109.

Kelly Oubre led the way for the visitors with 24 points, while Trae Young carried the home team with 28 points.

What went right for the Charlotte Hornets?

Nick Richards continues to impress 

Nick Richards continues to be highly productive, as he registered 20 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes of action to notch his second career double double. Both his points and rebounds were career highs, and he also did so on a perfect 9/9 shooting, which is now tied for the third most made field goals without a miss in team history. Richards led the Hornets in rebounds, offensive rebounds (5), blocks (2), and plus-minus (+25). He is now averaging 15 points and nine rebounds per game through Charlotte’s first three contests.

Offensive explosion in the third quarter 

The Hornets lit it up in the third quarter to the tune of 45 points, good for the sixth-most in a quarter in franchise history. They did so by shooting 15/22 from the field and 5/5 from three-point range, marking the 16th time in franchise history that they have shot 100% from three-point range for an entire quarter. Kelly Oubre, Nick Richards, and Gordon Hayward led the way, combining for 27 points on 10/11 from the field, 3/3 from three-point range, and 4/4 from the free-throw line. Of Charlotte’s 21 made free throws for the game, 10 came during the third quarter.

What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?

Slow start in the first quarter

The Hornets found themselves behind in a hurry, trailing 22-9 at the 4:05 mark in the first quarter. However, the 13-point margin marked Atlanta’s largest of the game, as Charlotte would outscore the home team by 30 points the rest of the way. While the Hornets were able to overcome the slow start tonight, getting off to better starts will be important for them going forward.

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Wednesday, October 26th – at New York Knicks

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