LaMelo Ball, Moussa Diabaté injuries compound Hornets' woes in loss to Nets

The Charlotte Hornets dropped their Monday night contest 97-89 to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Hornets, dropped their eighth game in the last nine outings. The Nets, winners of five of their last six, held their opponent below 100 points for the fifth time in that span.

Charlotte suffered a pair of key losses during the game. LaMelo Ball exited in the first half with right ankle soreness, finishing with just five points on 2-of-5 shooting.

Moussa Diabaté, who had a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds along with two blocks, left in the second half with a right eye abrasion.

Despite the absence of Ball and Diabate, the Hornets actually outshot the Nets from the field, connecting on 41.0 percent of their attempts compared to Brooklyn’s 39.8 percent.

Both teams struggled from three-point range, with Charlotte hitting just 19.4 percent and the Nets faring slightly better at 23.8 percent.

Four of Brooklyn’s five starters reached double figures, led by Nic Claxton’s 16 points on 8-of-13 shooting.

Brooklyn controlled the glass with a 47-40 rebounding advantage and recorded more assists (24-18) in the victory.

Hornets Best of the Night: Rookies Continue to Contribute

Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rookies Tidjane Salaün and KJ Simpson continued to impress, making the most of their opportunities. Salaün finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Simpson added 9 points and 9 boards off the bench.

Nets Best of the Night: Second Chance Points

Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell reacts after making a three point basket during the second half against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Nets took advantage of the second chance point opportunities outscoring the Hornets 24-13.

Highlight of the Night: Miles Bridges with the Smooth Spin

put em in a spin cycle 🔄@MilesBridges | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/2gsdegbb6x
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 11, 2025

Miles Bridges spins around D'Angelo Russell for the finish at the rim.

Quote from Charles Lee on Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabaté - Charlotte Hornets — Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté dunks against Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson during the first quarter at Barclays Center. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

"He's a product of the environment that we're creating, Lee said. "It's the coaching staff, his teammates talking to him. He has come in and continues to add a spark, a boost, a competitive spirit, and I'm glad to see that he's getting rewarded for it."

Looking Ahead

The Hornets' nine game road trip will continue on Wednesday night in Orlando against the Magic for the third meeting between the two teams this season.

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