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The Charlotte Hornets won their season opener against the Indiana Pacers in thrilling fashion. They clawed all the way back in the game after being down by 23 points to win 123-122. Of course, this definitely isn't the way any team would want to kick off their season, but a win is a win. The Hornets have a lot to improve on in their first 48 minutes of action, but they're pretty easy things. It is safe to say that everyone does look a bit rusty. A lot of easy shots were missed around the basket, there were flat jumpers, and just silly turnovers all game long. Outside of that, it was a good first start, and here are a few takeaways from it.
Super sophomore
LaMelo Ball seems like he is ready to pick back up where he left off after dropping a near triple-double. He finished with a team-high 31 points, nine rebounds, and 7 assists to help push the Hornets past the Pacers. It was his huge 3rd quarter surge that swung momentum in their favor. It sparked a 24 to nothing run for Charlotte. He stepped up in the absence of the team's go-to scorer, Terry Rozier.
Ball helped lead the team to a resilient comeback win. His leadership is one thing that could take a major leap this season after watching game one. Ball never seemed to lose his composure while mounting that ridiculous comeback. Later on in the game, Gordon Hayward was able to pick up the slack in the fourth quarter to close the game out. Sure, it's only one game into the season, but it's good to see a young player lead his troops to the finish line.
Scrappy bunch
We saw the Hornets in a lot of situations where they were down big after halftime and they managed to claw back into the game last year. It is a reoccurring issue with this team as they try to find a way to compete for a playoff spot. They don't always win those incredible comeback games either. Still, they are always staying cool, calm, and collected when trailing by double digits. The resiliency of this squad should never cease to amaze anybody. Although Ball led the charge, the veterans on the squad chipped in with a lot of big plays to turn the tide as well.
Head coach James Borrego tosses around the word “perseverance” a lot when describing his team. They always apply maximum effort and that will usually be enough to allow you to hang around in a game. It's not the most ideal situation for any team to be in, but it's impressive when you are able to dig yourself out of a hole. The Hornets are always going to go down swinging.
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Perfect signings
The offseason is a good way to find your team some help. Thankfully, the Hornets did just that by signing key veteran pieces to help speed the growth of their roster. It's vital for young teams attempting to be competitive to have the front office buying in as well.
Ish Smith and Kelly Oubre had solid debuts with the Hornets and made contributions. They both fit the play style that the Hornets want to run alongside LaMelo Ball. That will help Ball and the rest of the young team find their path.
Smith mentioned that LaMelo “is growing before our eyes” after their win on opening night. He couldn't be more right, but having impactful players around a young star will help bring out the best in anyone. There will only be improvements from this point on for this squad.
These are early takeaways from a team that barely missed the playoffs last season. They made the NBA Play-In Tournament which is a step up, but not where they were trying to end their season. There is still a lot of work to be done to propel them into that playoff talk that they so desperately desire. Beating Indiana does inch them a little closer to their goal as they look to build up more momentum throughout the season.
Their first half was terrible, but they have a lot to build off of from the second half of the game. Being physical, aggressive, and taking care of the basketball from the opening tip are all points of emphasis. They'll get a pass for now though because it was game one of 82. Several teams across the league looked great, but also had some sluggish starts and tired legs to start. Everyone just needs to find their rhythm and settle into what is sure to be a wild season.
