Hornets Triumph Over Nets 136-117 in Exciting Match Recap
The Charlotte Hornets commenced their season with a resounding victory over the Brooklyn Nets, winning 136-117. This exciting matchup took place at the Spectrum Center on Wednesday night, marking the Hornets’ first game since their arena renovation.
Miller and Bridges Shine in Season Opener
Brandon Miller, in his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for 55 games, led the team with 25 points. Miles Bridges contributed significantly, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds. LaMelo Ball added 20 points and eight assists, while Collin Sexton provided a spark off the bench with 15 points.
Franchise Milestone
This game was notable for the Hornets as nine players finished in double digits for the first time in franchise history. Both Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, the rookies who started the game, contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in the Hornets’ history that two rookies started a season opener.
- Brandon Miller: 25 points
- Miles Bridges: 18 points, 11 rebounds
- LaMelo Ball: 20 points, 8 assists
- Collin Sexton: 15 points
- Kon Knueppel: 11 points, 5 rebounds
- Ryan Kalkbrenner: 10 points, 11 rebounds
Game Dynamics
Miller’s impactful performance was pivotal during the second quarter, where he scored 15 points. This helped the Hornets outscore the Nets 39-28, establishing a solid 17-point lead at halftime. Throughout the game, the Hornets displayed accuracy, shooting 53.3% from the field and 47.2% from three-point range. Additionally, they dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Nets 50-38.
Nets Performance
For the Nets, Nic Claxton led with 17 points, while Cam Thomas added 15 points. Day’Ron Sharpe and Egor Demin contributed 14 points each. Notably, their first-round draft pick, Danny Wolf, did not play due to an ankle sprain but is expected to return soon.
Upcoming Matches
- Nets: Hosting Cleveland on Friday night
- Hornets: Visiting Philadelphia on Saturday night
The Hornets’ strong season opener sets a positive tone for their campaign ahead, as they look to build on this victory. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how this talented roster performs in the upcoming games.
