Charlotte Hornets Fall to Boston Celtics in Blowout, 127-99

A disappointing end to the Hornets' 2023-24 preseason.

Summary

The Charlotte Hornets were blown out by the Boston Celtics on Thursday in their last preseason game before the regular 2023-24 season begins. They fell behind soon into the first quarter, ending the game in a 127-99 loss. The only time the Hornets led was in the first two minutes of play.

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford started subbing in soon after tip-off, with Charlotte players such as Brandon Miller, Frank Ntilikina, and J.T. Thor getting early chances off the bench — Miller with a clutch block off Jayson Tatum that turned into a bucket. Still, the first 12 minutes ended with a 34-19 Celtics lead. Of course, this is still just preseason — right? But it gives a good indication of where things could go.

The Celtics continued to bury the Hornets as the second quarter progressed, sinking triples and stripping the ball. Miller got a steal and broke away before getting tripped up, unable to execute the shot. Moving the ball was an issue for the Hornets as LaMelo Ball came off and on the bench, Charlotte staggering their starters to try and stack up. With 2:30 left in the first half, the Celtics led by nearly double, 61-34.

LaMelo’s turnovers are coming off a lack of ball movement from everyone else. Every Celtics player has their head turned to help on LaMelo, offense isn’t making Boston scramble enough

— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) October 19, 2023

Charlotte attempted to claw their way back, ending the half at 66-40. But it wasn't enough to make an impact, at least not against a veteran team such as the Celtics — even their backups.

The yin and yang here was apparent: Boston's Jaylen Brown was on fire with 18 points in his first 17 minutes. Meanwhile, the Hornets were just 2/17 from three in the first half. The third quarter score was 100-65, as the Hornets continued to turn over the ball. The Hornets went on a 12-0 run to end the game, but ultimately, it was a humbling loss for Charlotte.

Best of the Night: Mark Williams

Starting Hornets center Mark Williams, even in an overall disappointing game, continues to prove how valuable he is to this Charlotte squad. The second-year Hornet from Duke showed his strengths on both ends of the floor last season before injuring his thumb and having to sit out a good chunk of games toward the end. Is this the season he proves — at least on the national stage — just how good he is? The stoic player doesn't bat an eye as he successfully taps in others' misses and gets his own rebounds. He had eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists on Thursday.

Worst of the Night: Hornets Couldn't Make It Happen

Again, that's just one Hornets win of the 2023-24 preseason — still one better than the 2022-23 preseason. Undoubtedly, the Hornets had issues performing against a strong Boston core and even their efficient backups. We know this is a young Charlotte team, but it's a team with a vast amount of potential. Still, they must learn to hold their own against the best of the best in the NBA to be a winning franchise.

Injury Update

Frank Ntilikina suffered a left knee hyperextension and did not return to the game.

Up Next: The Hornets start the regular season at home against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. ET.

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