The Charlotte Hornets are determined to prove the doubters wrong. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Hornets rallied defensively in the second half to overcome an 11-point deficit and win 110-105.
LaMelo Ball led the way with 34 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Tre Mann provided a spark off the bench, dropping 24 points.
This win offers early encouragement for a team seeking to build its identity under new head coach Charles Lee. Lee, a 2023-24 Celtics assistant, joined the Hornets in May, bringing championship experience to a playoff-starved franchise.
As the Hornets head to Atlanta for a Friday matchup against the Hawks, what lessons can they carry over from Wednesday’s win? Let’s dive in.
Tre Mann: Instant Bucket
When opportunity knocks, you have to be ready. Buried in the crowded backcourt of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mann struggled to find meaningful minutes. That changed at the trade deadline when he was dealt to the Hornets. Mann made an immediate impact, averaging 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over 28 games (all starts). However, questions remained about his role once the Hornets’ guard rotation returned to full strength.
Mann silenced those doubts in the preseason, earning a valuable sixth-man role with his scorching shooting. Averaging 16.0 points on efficient 60/47 splits, he positioned himself not only as a key contributor but also as a dark horse candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
With Brandon Miller sidelined due to a hip injury, Mann stepped up. He shot 8-of-16 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, providing the perfect complement to Ball. Miles Bridges was the only other Hornets player to score in double digits (10), highlighting Mann’s importance in the win.
Back To Elitness
There’s no doubt LaMelo Ball is a top-10 point guard when healthy. The challenge has been staying on the floor—Ball has appeared in just 58 games over the last two seasons since his All-Star campaign in 2021-22.
On Wednesday night, Ball looked determined to put those injury concerns behind him. He controlled the game with a perfect blend of playmaking and scoring while keeping his turnovers in check. His ability to put teammates in positions to succeed is exactly what you want from your floor general.
It’s only one game, and the season is long. But the way Ball performed against the Rockets is an encouraging sign for him, the fans, the coaching staff, and the front office alike.
Defense
With Charles Lee now at the helm, many Hornets fans hoped for a Celtics-style offense featuring a barrage of three-point attempts. The Hornets did their part, taking 39 threes and hitting 15. However, it’s important to note that Boston’s success wasn’t just about shooting—they were also an elite defensive team. When shots don’t fall, defense must take over, and that’s exactly what the Hornets leaned on.
Charlotte outscored Houston 61-45 in the second half, holding the Rockets to 33% shooting from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. After a dominant first half where Alperen Sengun scored 19 points, the Hornets limited him to just five in the second. Jalen Green managed 28 points, but it took him 23 shots to get there. In total, Houston struggled, shooting just 30% from three (13-of-43) and 36% overall (38-of-103).
In Conclusion
The Hornets showed grit by overcoming adversity against the Rockets, leaning on defense when their offense wavered. If LaMelo Ball stays healthy and role players like Tre Mann continue stepping up, this team has the potential to surprise. Under Charles Lee’s leadership, the foundation is being laid—now it’s up to the Hornets to build on it.
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