The Charlotte Hornets aren't expected to be an elite team this season by any means. However, how some of their recent games have turned out has frustrated fans.
For instance, the Hornets' brutal loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday would probably have been acceptable if they showed fire throughout the contest. But after an impressive first quarter that had them up 37-23, they reverted to their stagnant offensive sets, and coach Charles Lee's inexperience continued to rear its ugly head.
Charlotte had an opportunity to prove that it has learned its lesson against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Fans may have to stay patient some more, as the Hive squad nearly blew what should have been a comfortable win again before holding on for the victory.
Hornets have been unable to hold onto big leads
The Hornets held a double-digit lead to start the fourth quarter and looked on the way to easily snapping a two-game losing streak. However, the Pistons rallied to outscore the hosts 30-16 in the fourth period, and it wasn't even their defense that helped them come back in the match.
Charlotte was undone by the lack of good ball movement, highlighted by Brandon Miller's egregious turnovers. LaMelo Ball also figured in a renewed struggle with foul trouble, with some calls being unnecessary as they were clearly frustration fouls.
Lee isn't off the hook himself because his decision to pull out Moussa Diabate with 6:36 remaining and his crew leading 103-93 gave Detroit the freedom to attack the paint and prevail in the battle of the boards.
Fortunately, the Melo-Miller duo connected on a clutch play, with the swingman assisting on Ball's floater with 25.0 seconds left to force overtime. The star point guard then saw his evening early after fouling out a mere second into the extra period.
The tide turned in the Hornets' favor in overtime when Lee finally decided to put Diabate on the floor again. Miller also redeemed himself by taking over the game in crunch time, scoring eight points, including two wild 3-pointers, in the final 1:43 to steer the team to a 123-121 win.
Many fans are likely rejoicing that Charlotte was able to grind out a close victory. In addition, Ball and Miller made history by becoming the first Hornets tandem to score at least 35 each in a contest and the youngest pair to each record at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five 3-pointers.
Still, the matchup shouldn't have been as stressful as it was. Charlotte is gradually becoming known as the squad that can't hold onto huge leads. Hopefully, Ball, Miller, and Lee show improvement in the following months, as the Hornets' success heavily relies on the three of them.