As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to face off against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center on December 30th, fans are eager to see if their team can turn around a challenging season. The Hornets have been struggling with an 8-27 record, but there's always room for improvement and surprises in basketball.

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 1: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on March 1, 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 their recent matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a high-scoring game from both teams, the Hornets fell short with a final score of 112-133. They showed promise offensively with an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 46 percent and bench contributions of 36 points. However, defensively they allowed too many points in paint (62) and had a negative plus-minus of -21.

The following game saw them take on another Los Angeles team, the Clippers. The Hornets managed to keep it closer this time but still came up short at 104-113. Their two-point field goal percentage was strong at 58 percent and they maintained a decent assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly three assists for every turnover committed. Yet again though, defensive woes were evident as they allowed their opponents to shoot at nearly identical percentages from both two-point range (51 percent) and beyond the arc (41 percent).

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 1: Lock Landale #11 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 1, 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)

Against Denver Nuggets at home before these two games, Charlotte showed resilience but ultimately lost by seven points with a final score of 95-102. Their defense stepped up with blocks totaling double digits (11), yet offensive struggles were apparent as they shot only 39 percent from the field.

Looking ahead to their encounter with Phoenix Suns, it's clear that Charlotte needs to tighten up defensively while maintaining their offensive efficiency if they want to secure more wins this season. Fans can expect an energetic battle as both teams will be looking for victory; however, it will be crucial for Charlotte’s players like Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball to step up if they wish to leave Arizona triumphant.

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 1: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against the Charlotte Hornets on March 1, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The game is scheduled for December 30th at Footprint Center in Phoenix; fans can catch all the action live on BSSE channel 649 or follow along through various broadcast networks available in their region.

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