Although the first two quarters belonged to the Chicago Bulls, the Hornets defeated the Bulls in dominating fashion in the fourth quarter yesterday. After suffering an embarrassing blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Charlotte Hornets beat the Chicago Bulls 111-96 in Charlotte at Spectrum Arena. LaMelo Ball had a double-double: 15 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in 37 minutes. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 28 points.
Mason Plumlee’s double-double was significant to the team’s victory over the Bulls, scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. The Charlotte Hornets can undoubtedly use more production like this from Plumlee as the team strives to move beyond being 14th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Also, one should not overlook Gordon Hayward’s important contributions: 17 points, one rebound, and three assists in 25 minutes. In “Charlotte Hornets need Gordon Hayward’s leadership,” I explained how valuable a healthy Gordon Hayward is to the team’s success.
Related: LaMelo Ball sprained ankle signals time for caution
Hornets defeated the Bulls by winning the final quarters
The first two quarters were competitive, but the Bulls had the edge going into the third quarter. However, in the third quarter, the Hornets took the edge away, winning the third quarter 30-24. The momentum from the third quarter propelled the Charlotte Hornets forward to the fourth quarter, where the team dominated the quarter 34-17, doubling what the Chicago Bulls scored.
Parting Thoughts
Unfortunately, P.J. Washington’s performance was unsatisfying: nine points, two rebounds, and four assists in 30 minutes. In “P.J. Washington’s shooting must improve for the Charlotte Hornets,” I argued that he must perform like a star for the Hornets to be successful and make the playoffs. The team needs much more from him than he contributed yesterday.
On Sunday, January 29, 2023, the Charlotte Hornets will face the Miami Heat in Charlotte.
