Hornets find glimmer of hope in loss to Blazers

The Charlotte Hornets saw their run of futility in the Pacific Northwest continue on Monday night, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers by a final score of 124-113.

LaMelo Ball led the way for Charlotte with 27 points while Jerami Grant poured in 32 points to lead Portland.

The Hornets now sit at 9-25 on the year following the loss.

What went right for the Charlotte Hornets?

Mark Williams minutes

Charlotte’s rookie big man earned the first extended minutes of his career in the absence of Nick Richards, absorbing the backup center minutes behind Mason Plumlee. Williams recorded 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist while shooting 3/4 from the field and 3/4 from the free throw line in 16 minutes of action.

Limiting Lillard

Damian Lillard had a rare off night, scoring 17 points but taking 18 shots to get there. Lillard’s 17 points were his second fewest in 20 career games against Charlotte. His field goal percentage (27.8%) and three-point field goal percentage (10.0) were his third worst and worst, respectively, in 20 career games against Charlotte.

What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?

Third quarter woes continue

The Hornets were outscored by a margin of 40-28 in the third quarter as their six-point halftime lead became a six-point deficit. Overall, the Hornets have been outscored by 41 points in the third quarter this year, the seventh worst margin in the NBA.

Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier 

Charlotte’s high-priced veterans had a night to forget, combining for 17 points on 6/31 shooting and 1/11 shooting from three-point range. Rozier in particular struggled, as his 11.8% shooting (2/17) was his worst performance of the year, while his -26 plus-minus was a team worst.

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Tuesday, December 27th – at Golden State Warriors (10:00 p.m.)