Pelicans Put Away Hornets Late, 112-107

The Hornets fell to the Pelicans on the first night of a home back-to-back.

The Charlotte Hornets fought hard, but ultimately fell Friday night to the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center. With LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams and P.J. Washington all ruled out due to injury, the Hornets looked to be fighting an uphill battle straight from the opening tip. 

Going up by as many as 13 points in the first half, the Pelicans threatened to make things ugly. But the Hornets battled back, taking the lead in the third quarter. 

But down the stretch, the Pelicans' sharp shooting and superior rebounding secured them the victory. 

Best of the night: 

Terry Rozier continued putting on a show for Charlotte. He finished with 30 points, six assists and three steals. When the Hornets have needed him most, Rozier has stepped up to the plate in a big way. 

Worst of the night: 

The Hornets came into the game with some concerns on the interior. Without Mark Williams and P.J. Washington, Charlotte was behind the eight ball going against physical threats like Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas. 

Throughout the game, Valanciunas burned the Hornets to the tune of 29 points and 13 rebounds. He played a major part in putting Charlotte away. 

Stat of the night:

The Hornets were -10 in rebounding margin without two valuable rebounders, which ended up being the difference in this one. New Orleans beat Charlotte 49 to 39 on the boards. 

Highlight of the night: 

Terry Rozier pulled out his entire bag of tricks against the Pelicans, including this step-back three-pointer in the third quarter. 

T-RO IS BACK IN HIS STEP BACK 👜 pic.twitter.com/5YRVxzdZfM

— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) December 16, 2023

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