Hornets Clobbered by Spurs in California Classic

Not a good start to the summer for Charlotte.

Sacramento, CA - The games don't count but that doesn't mean there won't be a serious level of disappointment in the end results of these summer contests. 

Monday evening, first round picks Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. made their professional debuts with the Charlotte Hornets in an absolute beatdown at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, 98-77.

Miller, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft posted 18 points on 5/11 shooting from the field including 3/7 from three to go along with five rebounds and three assists.

Smith Jr. recorded 12 points (5/14 FG). 

San Antonio wasted little time jumping out to a comfortable lead, holding the Hornets to just four points in the first five and a half minutes of the game. The Spurs went into the second quarter with a commanding 32-11 lead and never looked back.

Arguably the most disappointing part of the loss for head coach Marlon Garrett had to be the effort on the glass. Charlotte was outrebounded 62-36 with 16 of those boards coming on the offensive end. Dominick Barlow gave Kai Jones & Co. issues inside putting up 24 points and 11 rebounds. However, Julian Champagnie led the way for the Spurs with 30 points, connecting on five triples. 

The Hornets will look to rebound from this miserable outing on July 5th against the Golden State Warriors - also a part of the California Classic. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. EST and will be broadcasted on ESPN. 

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