March 28, 2023 Charlotte Hornets @ Oklahoma City Thunder
This game started out mildly considering the scoring binge both teams would go on later. Outside of Josh Giddey’s 11-point surge to start, no other player from either team scored more than seven points. The 26-23 score at the end of the first quarter was a nip and tuck affair that saw several lead changes, a lead wrestled away at the end of the period by a Svi Mykhailiuk layup.
In fact, the game was largely controlled by the Thunder, keeping the Hornets at bay, but still within striking distance, powered by an explosive 45-point second quarter. Jalen Williams, on his way to his second 30+ scoring game of the season (and month), dropped 17 points on 5/6 shooting from the field and a perfect six trips to the free-throw line. At the end of the third, the Thunder were clinging to a 99-93 lead.
Then the fourth quarter happened. Or, more accurately put, PJ Washington happened. He scored 22 points on the way to setting a new career-high with 43 points. He shot a dazzling 8/11 from the field with three of those coming from behind the arc. Théo Maledon had eight of his season-high 19 in the fourth as well.
Just as impressive was the way the Hornets finished the game. Tied at 132, Charlotte scored six points—two each from Nick Richards, JT Thor, and Mykhailiuk. It was the perfect encapsulation of what this team has become. No one had these young men contributing in high-leverage situations like these. They weren’t supposed to be in the rotation at the start of the year. Much less on the floor, competing with a team attempting to get into the postseason. Yet here they were, gaining valuable experience and confidence. T The Hornets are doing themselves a world of good that could be felt next season with these final moments of the regular season.