The Charlotte Hornets have fallen below .500 after improving their record to 28-22 a few weeks ago. The Hornets took a nine-point lead going into the 4th quarter vs the Timberwolves, but were outscored 30-21 in the final quarter and 18-12 in overtime. Karl Anthony-Towns dominated the Hornets for 39 points and 15 rebounds. The Hornets often look disjointed and lost in the 4th quarter and OT. Charlotte didn’t play composed down the stretch and the offense slowed down. Let’s look at some observations from this game
0-5 in Overtime this Season:
The record is what it is. Charlotte is 0-5 in overtime games this season. Whether it is poor execution, questionable scheme, or lack of adjustments, Charlotte’s record in overtime is bad. When this game went into overtime it felt like the Hornets weren’t going to pull it out and the Wolves jumped out to a lead and didn’t give it up. The Hornets let an opportunity to get a win against a playoff team right before the All-Star break, even after Anthony Edwards injured his ankle and didn’t play in the 2nd half.
Struggled from the Field:
Charlotte didn’t shoot the ball well from the field. The Hornets shot 41% from the floor and only 8-33 from behind the arc. Minnesota didn’t shoot the well ball either, but made 13 threes including three bombs from Towns in the 4th quarter.
Playing Time:
After leading a late rally vs Memphis on Saturday night, JT Thor only played 11 minutes and James Bouknight was a DNP. This will be a talking point on Twitter and in the chats. Also, what is going on with PJ Washington? In 33 minutes, Washington was 1-5 and all five of his shot attempts were three-pointers. Kelly Oubre has been in a slump. Oubre is shooting only 35% from the floor in the month of February and 17% from three. Oubre shot 4-13 from the field tonight. Oubre will have to find his shot if the Hornets can make any type of run after the All-Star break.
Things won’t get easier for the Hornets as they take on the Miami Heat in the final game before the All-Star break on Thursday.