The Charlotte Hornets kicked off their season with an impressive victory, overcoming an 18-point deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 110-105 in their season opener. LaMelo Ball was the standout player for Charlotte, finishing the game with 34 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, including 12 points in the fourth quarter, seven of which came in the final 2:10 of the game.
Tre Mann also contributed significantly, scoring 24 points and sealing the win with key free throws. This win marks a strong start for the Hornets under their new rookie head coach, Charles Lee, who praised his team’s defensive efforts in the second half for the comeback.
Lee acknowledged that while the team struggled with their shooting in the first half, their defensive intensity improved dramatically after halftime. He highlighted the pivotal role of LaMelo Ball, calling him the team’s “engine” and expressing confidence in what a healthy Ball can bring to the team’s performance.
Ball has faced challenges with injuries in recent seasons, playing only 58 games out of 164 over the last two years due to ankle issues. Meanwhile, second-year player Brandon Miller left the game with a hip injury and did not return.
For the Rockets, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun were the leading scorers with 28 and 25 points, respectively, but the Hornets’ defense limited Houston to a shooting percentage of just 37%.
The Hornets will face the Atlanta Hawks next on Friday night, with the game set to tip off at 7:30 PM at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.