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Hornets Swarm Fades as Lakers Shine in High-Scoring Duel at Crypto.com Arena

In a high-scoring affair, the Charlotte Hornets fell to the Los Angeles Lakers with a final tally of 133-112. The Hornets now stand at 8-27, while the Lakers have balanced their season record to 19-19. Despite a strong start, the Hornets could not sustain their momentum against the assertive Lakers.


CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 23: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 23, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice:  Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

The game began promisingly for the Charlotte Hornets as they took an early lead with a first-quarter score of 31 points compared to the Lakers' 28. However, by halftime, it was evident that maintaining control would be challenging as they trailed with an overall score of 57-58. The third quarter saw further slippage for the Hornets as they were outscored by a substantial margin.


Offensively, Charlotte put up respectable numbers; shooting at a solid field goal percentage of 47 and converting on nearly half of their two-point attempts. Their three-point game was also effective with a conversion rate of 46 percent resulting in fifteen successful shots from beyond the arc. The team's effort from fast-break opportunities was notable too, scoring twenty-three points on such plays.


However, turnovers proved costly for Charlotte; nineteen in total which led to thirteen points for Los Angeles off those turnovers. Additionally, despite drawing more fouls than their opponents and attempting twenty-eight free throws throughout the game, only seventeen were made – translating into a subpar free throw percentage of just over sixty-one percent.


The bench contributed thirty-six points but it wasn't enough to counterbalance Los Angeles' bench which exploded for sixty-three points. In terms of rebounds, Charlotte managed fifty-two in total but this did not translate into dominance on either end of the court.


Defensively is where things truly unraveled for Charlotte; allowing one hundred thirty-three points against them reflects defensive challenges that need addressing urgently. The defensive rating stood at over one hundred twenty-one – indicative that every possession by Los Angeles had too high an expected point value.


Looking ahead after this tough outing on enemy territory at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles California USA., fans can catch their next chance to support when they face off against Phoenix Suns away again at Footprint Center located in Phoenix Arizona USA.. This encounter is scheduled for December 29th at 9:00 PM Eastern Time and will be broadcasted on BSSE channel six hundred forty-nine ensuring fans won't miss any action from this upcoming match-up.

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