Hornets Fall To Defending Champions in Denver

Charlotte could not get past the Nuggets in their first game of 2024.

The Charlotte Hornets continued their West Coast road trip on Monday with their second contest against the defending NBA champions in the last 10 days. With Terry Rozier a late scratch from the lineup and LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams and Gordon Hayward ruled out as well, the Hornets were once again playing shorthanded. 

Similar to the last time these two teams faced off, this game got away from Charlotte in the third quarter. Going into the half tied at 49, Denver's huge push in the third frame was spurred by a 17-0 scoring run. 

That stretch would put the reigning NBA champs ahead for good. The Hornets did see some solid individual play including all five starters scoring in double figures, but they simply did not have enough gas in the tank to come back against this talented Nuggets team, falling 111-93. 

Best of the night:

Before the game tipped off, Ish Smith received the championship ring he earned with the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 postseason on Monday night. Just like the first time these two teams met, there was palpable love from many players on the Nuggets toward their former veteran teammate. 

In terms of on-court performance, Miles Bridges had one of the strongest performances of any Hornets player. He finished the night with 26 points on 10-for-14 shooting, along with a team-high nine rebounds and five assists. 

It was a nice bounce-back game for Bridges after he voiced his frustration with his own disappointing play against Phoenix a few nights ago. 

Worst of the night:

The Hornets have made some improvements to their defense over the last several weeks, but it is clear that lack of personnel is weighing on this team. Charlotte did not lose the turnover or rebounding battle by anything resembling a significant margin against the Nuggets, but still found themselves on the wrong end of yet another double-digit loss. 

Stat of the night: 

With the Detroit Pistons' win over the Raptors on Saturday, the Hornets now hold the longest active losing streak in the NBA. Their loss to the Nuggets extended their skid to 11 games.  

Highlight of the night: 

Brandon Miller showed off his quick catch-and-shoot ability with this three-pointer in the third quarter. 

Brandon Miller's catch-and-shoot release time 🔥

Dell is impressed. pic.twitter.com/iDSuDIKKDX

— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) January 2, 2024

The Hornets will be back on the hardwood Tuesday night as they continue their West Coast road trip against the Sacramento Kings at 10:00 PM ET. 

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