Hornets Survive Late Surge from T-Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - With the 121-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night, the Charlotte Hornets have won three straight games for the first time this season.

No one really knows what to expect in the first game after the All-Star break, just like the final game heading into it. You always wonder if the extended time off will have guys a little rusty and sluggish, but that was not the case at all in tonight's game for either team.

Both Charlotte and Minnesota had it going offensively, each shooting 55% as a team in the first half. Gordon Hayward worked an efficient 6/8 half, recording 17 points. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball did a little bit of everything with 18 points, seven boards, and five assists.

Those two led the charge offensively for much of the night and did a good job of drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. The Hornets, as a team, shot 25/28 (89%) on the night from the charity stripe.

After leading by as many as 11 in the third quarter, the Hornets saw their comfortable lead evaporate in no time as the T-Wolves went on a 10-2 run to open the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards drained a three on the wing to give Minnesota a slim, 99-98 edge, their first lead since the three minute mark of the first quarter.

The two teams traded leads throughout much of the frame before the Hornets took over late. LaMelo Ball hit a three to make it 117-111, which was followed up by a Minnesota turnover. Gordon Hayward hit the dagger with a mid-range floater, putting the game out of reach. LaMelo ended the night with 32 points and 10 rebounds, notching his fifth straight game with a double-double.

The Hornets will be back at it tomorrow night when they return home to play host to the Miami Heat. TIp-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST and can be viewed on Bally Sports.

1ST: CHA 37-32

CHA: 12/19 FG | 3/4 3FG | 12 REB | 9 AST | TO | PIP

MIN: 13/26 FG | 1/6 3FG | 10 REB | 7 AST | TO | PIP

2ND: CHA 72-64

CHA: 24/43 FG | 6/14 3FG | 21 REB | 16 AST | 5 TO | 26 PIP

MIN: 25/45 FG | 4/11 3FG | 22 REB | 12 AST | 9 TO | 36 PIP

3RD: CHA 96-89

CHA: 34/68 FG | 8/23 3FG | 38 REB | 21 AST | 10 TO | 40 PIP

MIN: 36/73 FG | 7/21 3FG | 35 REB | 18 AST | 11 TO | 52 PIP

4TH: CHA wins 121-113

CHA: 43/92 FG | 10/28 3FG | 52 REB | 25 AST | 11 TO | 54 PIP

MIN: 46/93 FG | 11/33 3FG | 45 REB | 25 AST | 16 TO | 62 PIP

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