Opinion
3 min read

Hornets and Hawks Clash at Spectrum Center

As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to host the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying showdown. The Hornets, despite their struggles this season, have shown flashes of brilliance that suggest they could pose a real threat to the visiting Hawks.


CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Nick Richards #4 of the Charlotte Hornets lays the ball up during the second half of a basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2023 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. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

Looking back at the Hornets' recent performances, there's a pattern of resilience that can't be ignored. On December 24 against the Denver Nuggets, CHA scored 95 points but fell short by just seven points. The team's ability to draw fouls and convert free throws was impressive—they hit 83 percent from the line—and their bench contributed a hefty 45 points. This depth could be crucial against ATL.


However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for CHA; turnovers were a thorn in their side with 18 giveaways. To stand any chance against ATL's dynamic offense, ball security will need to be a top priority.


CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 25: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets plays defense during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 25, 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

In another recent outing on December 21 against Indiana Pacers, CHA put up an impressive offensive display with 113 points but were outgunned in a high-scoring affair that ended in favor of IND with an eye-watering scoreline of 144-113. Despite this loss, CHA showed they can score heavily too—something they'll need to replicate if they want to keep pace with ATL.


The Hornets' game on December 19 versus Toronto Raptors also highlighted areas for improvement; while managing to net nearly half their field goals (44 percent), their three-point shooting languished at just 25 percent—a stark contrast to TOR's more efficient shooting night.


CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball down the court during the second half of a basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2023 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. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

CHA must capitalize on its strengths: attacking inside and leveraging its bench scoring power while tightening up defensively and from beyond the arc if it hopes to contain ATL’s potent offense.


The upcoming game is set for February 15th at Spectrum Center—the home court advantage might just give CHA the edge it needs. Fans eager not only for victory but also for witnessing strategic gameplay should mark their calendars and tune into BSSE channel 649 where all action will unfold live starting at midnight Eastern Time.

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