Figuring out precisely which version of the Charlotte Hornets will appear on a given night is almost like a game show.
There’s always a little drama involved right down to the final seconds.
This much is certain: When they are squaring off against one of the league’s elite, they somehow put together some of their most inspiring efforts. That was the case Monday night in their meeting with Washington in D.C., when they staved off the Wizards’ late charge and held on for a 109-103 victory at Capital One Arena.
Here are three things we learned in the Hornets’ sixth victory in their last seven games.
TERRY ROZIER AWAKENS
It hasn’t exactly been a banner first month of the season for Terry Rozier shooting the ball.
After getting off to a slow start in part because of the sprained ankle that sidelined him for five games, Rozier is showing a flash here or there of the player everyone has grown accustomed to seeing since he came to the Hornets in 2019. His 32 points were a season-high.
He knocked down a season-best eight 3-pointers, five coming via catch-and-shoot. He’s typically one of the top catch-and-shoot 3-point performers in the league and he had been cold in that department.
Perhaps his most important shot came with 13.2 seconds remaining and the Hornets clinging to a 2-point lead. He pulled up for a 3-pointer with time to spare on the shot clock to push the Hornets ahead 108-103 and seal the victory.
It had to feel good for Rozier to knock down three attempts beyond the arc in the first quarter alone because his percentages are way down and even his bread and butter was deserting him more than usual.
LAMELO BALL: MASTER OF THE DOUBLE-DOUBLE
LaMelo Ball and the words double-double are becoming synonymous.
In yet another seemingly effortless outing by the second-year floor general, his 28 points and 13 rebounds were huge for the Hornets. He did it inside and out, including draining a 3-pointer almost from the Wizards’ half-court logo and a filthy slam that caused Washington big man Daniel Gafford to pull his hand back or be posterized. Ball’s seven assists were pretty good, too.
Less than a week after netting a career-high 21 first-half points, he was once again in the first two quarters. On the strength of pumping in 12 of the Hornets’ 17 final first-half points to help them grab a nine-point edge heading into the break.
To put Ball’s play in perspective: By already posting his third career triple-double, he’s become the second-youngest player in league history to reach that number, only trailing behind Dallas’ Luka Doncic.
THAT’S OFFENSIVE
Saying the Hornets (11-8) were clobbered on the glass would be kind.
Washington (11-6) dominated them in the rebounding department, 65-36, and controlled the boards throughout. The Hornets had severe issues closing out possessions, surrendering a commanding 20-6 advantage to the Wizards on offensive rebounds.
