Charlotte Hornets suffer blowout loss to Boston Celtics
The Charlotte Hornets took their two-game winning streak to Boston to face off with the league’s best team. Unfortunately for the visitors, the hometown Celtics made sure that Charlotte’s recent momentum would not continue, as Boston secured a 140-105 victory.
As he typically does, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics, pouring in 35 points to lead all scorers. Jalen McDaniels had a career-high 24 points to lead the Hornets.
With the loss, the Hornets are now 6-15 through the season’s first 21 games.
What went right for the Charlotte Hornets?
Jalen McDaniels had a career night
Pressed into a larger role in the absence of Terry Rozier, Jalen McDaniels made the most of his opportunity. McDaniels finished the night with 24 points on 9/12 shooting, including 4/6 from three-point range. He also went 2/2 from the free-throw line. The performance marked McDaniels’ second career game with at least 20 points and his first since April 7th, 2021.
Young players flashed potential
With so much of their veteran production in street clothes, the Hornets were forced to turn to their younger players. The young players, in particular Kai Jones and Bryce McGowens, answered the bell.
For the second time in as many games, Jones notched his career high scoring output with 9 points. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and knocked down his third career three-pointer.
McGowens recorded 10 points to go along with career highs in assists (6), rebounds (2), and blocks (1). He shot 2/4 from three-point range and 2/2 from the free-throw line.
What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?
A historically bad night on defense
To say the Hornets struggled on defense would be an understatement. Boston poured in their new season high in points, led by a 45-point explosion in the game’s opening frame.
A shorthanded squad
Already down LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin, and Dennis Smith Jr., the Hornets also had to do without Terry Rozier, who missed the game due to illness. Rozier’s absence meant that Théo Maledon, James Bouknight, and Bryce McGowens all played at least 24 minutes.
What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?
Friday, December 2nd – vs. Washington Wizards (7:00 p.m. ET)