Hornets Lose Double OT Thriller in Cleveland
The Cavaliers got out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter and had kept up a similar distance throughout the game. This felt like another uninspiring Hornets loss- something that Hornets fans have become accustomed to throughout the 4-12 start to the season. Charlotte trailed by 10 with 44 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Things got a lot more exciting in a hurry.
The Hornets hit three three-pointers in the next 40 seconds, and Cleveland turned the ball over three times. This was enough to give the Hornets a chance to tie the game. The away team had the ball with 2.8 seconds left trailing 105-102.
Terry Rozier (born in Youngstown, Ohio) stepped up to the plate. He hit a miraculous game-tying fadeaway corner three pointer to send this game into overtime.
The hot shooting carried over for the Hornets in the first overtime period. They scored 15 points in 5 minutes, but the Cavaliers kept responding. The scoring from both teams was incredibly impressive. So impressive that Dell Curry brought out the "if you don't like this, you don't like NBA basketball" line on the broadcast.
Rozier hit a 27-foot shot with 22 seconds left to put the Hornets up, 120-117. Garland responded with a 27-foot shot of his own, tying the game. Terry took a shot with 2 seconds left that would've won the game, but it clanked off the rim.
The Hornets opened the second overtime period with a defensive stop and a Kelly Oubre Jr. dunk. Those were the only two points they would score in the next five minutes. Oubre fouled out with 3:44 remaining, which felt like it took the life out of this comeback. The miracle in Cleveland just wasn't meant to be.
The Hornets were led in scoring by Kelly Oubre Jr. (34 pts), Rozier (28 pts), and P.J Washington who added 28 of his own.
The Cavaliers were led by Darius Garland (41 pts) and Donovan Mitchell (34 pts).
It is worth noting that while Rozier led the comeback - he was cold for most of the game. He shot 11-33 on the night with most of his makes coming down the stretch.
Kai Jones received 7 minutes tonight, his first non-garbage time run. He led the team in plus-minus (+10).
The Hornets will look to rebound in Washington on Sunday.
