The Charlotte Hornets concluded their road trip with a 118-108 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The win ended a five-game losing streak that saw the Hornets get off to slow starts – getting dominated in the paint and having a hard time finishing games. Kelly Oubre led the way with 37 points – a Hornets record for most points by a player off the bench, passing Malik Monk who had 36 points off the bench in a game last year. Gordon Hayward contributed 25 points and LaMelo Ball almost notched his 2nd straight triple double with 12 point, 9 rebounds and 8 assist performance. The Hornets had another poor defensive first quarter as the Grizzlies scored 37 points, but Memphis went cold, especially from the 3-point line, and the Hornets held Memphis to only 16 points in the second quarter.
Quick Observations:
- This game was won on the 3-point line and the foul line. Charlotte shot 42% from 3 and made 21-24 from the foul line, while Memphis shot 24% from 3 and only made 9-15 from the charity stripe.
- When Kelly Oubre plays well the Hornets are tough to beat. Oubre’s breakout game came at a good time, as most of the Hornets big guns had slightly off shooting games. Gordon Hayward shot 6 for 15 from the floor, Miles Bridges was 3 for 11, Terry Rozier shot 4 for 14 and LaMelo Ball shot 5-13 from the floor. Having a player step up and take over like Kelly did is a luxury and most of the games Kelly has played well this season, the Hornets have won.
- Returning back home: Charlotte has played 9 of its first 13 games on the road this season and start a four-game home stand Friday night vs the New York Knicks. The Hornets next four games are tough as they play the Knicks, arguably the NBA’s best team now in Golden State, Washington (who has been one of the early surprises of the season), and Indiana. The Hornets will need to protect home court as seven of their eight games after this home stand are on the road.