Opinion
3 min read

Hornets Hope to Buzz Past Suns in Spectrum Center Clash

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


PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 29 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last encounter with the Toronto Raptors on March 3rd, the Hornets displayed a gritty performance but fell short by just five points in a 106-111 loss. They managed to lead for over seven minutes and boasted an impressive 54 percent shooting from two-point range. Their bench contributed significantly with 24 points, and they dominated inside with 62 points in the paint.


However, turnovers were a thorn in their side as they gave up possession 17 times leading to 18 points for the Raptors. This is an area where CHA will need significant improvement if they are going to overcome PHX's defense.


PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 29 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Suns come into this game after witnessing CHA's recent performances against formidable opponents like the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks. While Charlotte showed resilience by scoring over 100 points in each game (106 against Toronto Raptors and 114 against Philadelphia), defensive lapses allowed their opponents to outscore them consistently.


Against Philadelphia on March 2nd, despite an efficient offensive display that saw them shoot at a commendable rate of 51 percent from field goals and rack up an efficiency game score of nearly one hundred (99.4), defensive shortcomings led them down as they conceded at a rate of over one point per possession (1.35).


PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free throw during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 29, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

The key takeaway for Charlotte is their ability to score effectively when given opportunities – something that will be crucial against Phoenix's robust defense. The Hornets' offense has been able to maintain high percentages across shooting metrics including two-point attempts (57 percent) and three-point shots (42 percent) during their clash with PHI.


Looking ahead at this upcoming contest scheduled on March 15th at Spectrum Center starting at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, it’s clear that if CHA can tighten up defensively while maintaining their offensive efficiency seen in previous games – particularly from beyond the arc – there’s potential for an upset against PHX.


Fans eager not only witness this battle but also support their team can catch all action live NBA TV or BSSE or AZFamily networks depending on location preference; ensuring no moment missed during what promises be thrilling showdown between these two teams looking make statement late season play.

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