Charlotte Hornets falter in the fourth quarter, lose fourth straight game

The Charlotte Hornets dropped their fourth straight contest on Saturday night, losing to the visiting Brooklyn Nets by a final score of 98-94.

Terry Rozier led the way for the Hornets in his return to action, posting a season-high 25 points. Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 27 points of his own.

With the loss, Charlotte is now 3-7 through their first 10 games of the season. They also lost six of their last seven contests.

What went right for the Charlotte Hornets?

Terry Rozier was scary 

Terry Rozier made his return to action after missing the past two weeks with an ankle sprain. Rozier played a team high 36 minutes and appeared fully healthy, displaying his typical lethal offensive arsenal throughout the game. He also managed to grab seven rebounds and dish out three assists.

An impressive defensive effort 

The Hornets put forth a solid defensive effort against an offensively lethal nets squad, holding Brooklyn to their season lows in points (98), field goal percentage (39.3%), and made field goals (33). The Hornets particularly locked down in the third quarter, holding the Nets to just 17 points, their second fewest in any quarter this season.

What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?

The injury bug bites again (yes, again)

On the night that Rozier made his return after missing time, the Hornets had another player suffer an injury, this time losing Dennis Smith Jr. to a sprained ankle. Already without LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, and Gordon Hayward, the Hornets may now be without Smith Jr. as well.

Fourth quarter woes

After outscoring the Nets by nine in the third quarter to take a one-point lead into the final frame, the Hornets were outscored when it mattered the most. Brooklyn was able to rally from what became a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to steal the win on the road.

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Monday, November 7th- vs. Washington Wizards (7:00 p.m. ET)