Injuries Plague Hornets in Loss to Pelicans

New Orleans, LA - Well, now that was a roller coaster game for the Hornets as they have fallen to the Pelicans, 115-96. The Hornets have now lost five of their last six games.

This game was full of ups and downs for Charlotte, but the clear issue yet again was the slow start. It is a major problem that has persisted this season and it looks like it won't go away down the stretch.

While the Hornets lost this game, they fought with a lot of passion and pride. This team never gave up and at one point battled back from a 13-point deficit. Unfortunately, the injuries kicked in during the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre, and Dennis Smith Jr. all exited the game with an injury.

INJURY REPORT: @hornets guard Kelly Oubre left tonight’s game in the 2Q with a right shoulder strain. He is out for the remainder of tonight’s contest.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) March 24, 2023

INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard Terry Rozier left tonight’s game in New Orleans with right foot discomfort. He is doubtful to return.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) March 24, 2023

INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr left the third quarter of tonight’s contest not feeling well. He will not return to tonight’s game.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) March 24, 2023

Player of the Game For Charlotte: SF Gordon Hayward

This came down to PJ Washington or Gordon Hayward, but overall Hayward had the better performance. Hayward was more consistent on defense than Washington. Hayward also had more of an impact on offense with the number of assists and opportunities he created for other players.

While he didn't have his best tonight, he clearly was the best player overall in this game for the Hornets. On a side note, it is amazing that Hayward is the most durable player on the Hornets right now.

CUMULATIVE TEAM STATS

1ST: NO 37-28

CHA: 10/23 FG | 3/12 3FG | 1/3 FT | 11 REB | 7 AST | 4 TO

NO: 13/24 FG | 4/6 3FG | 7/7 FT | 14 REB | 9 AST | 2 TO

2ND: NO 62-57

CHA: 14/22 FG | 2/5 3FG | 3/4 FT | 10 REB | 9 AST | 5 TO

NO: 11/25 FG | 1/9 3FG | 2/2 FT | 10 REB | 5 AST | 4 TO

3RD: NO 88-81

CHA: 9/21 FG | 2/12 3FG | 4/5 FT | 8 REB | 6 AST | 2 TO

NO: 10/23 FG | 2/8 3FG | 4/4 FT | 14 REB | 5 AST | 2 TO

4TH: NO wins 115-96

CHA: 11/26 FG | 4/11 3FG | 3/4 FT | 9 REB | 2 AST | 6 TO

NO: 5/17 FG | 2/8 3FG | 1/2 FT | 13 REB | 7 AST | 3 TO

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