The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their season with a thrilling victory, overcoming an 18-point deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 110-105 in their opening game.
LaMelo Ball shone as the standout player, finishing with 34 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. He delivered a powerful performance in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points in crucial moments, including seven points in the last 2 minutes and 10 seconds of the game.
Tre Mann also made significant contributions, adding 24 points and securing key free throws that sealed the win for Charlotte.
This season-opening victory is a promising sign for the Hornets, particularly as it marks the debut of rookie head coach Charles Lee. The team managed to turn the game around in the second half after trailing for much of the contest. Lee credited the resilience of his players, highlighting their elevated defensive efforts.
“When it really mattered and we needed to claw back into this game, I thought our defense took another level,” Lee remarked. He noted that while the team missed some good shooting opportunities in the first half, they found their rhythm and intensified their defensive play in the second half.
Lee also praised LaMelo Ball for his significant impact and dedication, emphasizing the crucial role he plays for the team. “He’s like the engine for us,” he added, expressing optimism about the Hornets’ potential if Ball maintains his health and continues to develop.
Ball’s availability has been a concern in recent seasons due to recurring ankle injuries, having played only 58 games out of 164 possible over the last two years.
In injury news, second-year player Brandon Miller left the game with a hip injury and did not return.
Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 28 and 25 points, respectively, but Charlotte’s defense limited Houston’s shooting to just 37% from the field.
The Hornets will next face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 PM at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.