Hornets ride Hayward’s hot-shooting, deals Nets first season loss

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Charlotte Hornets finally found the perfect mix-up and were consistent in their offensive schemes to outlast the powerhouse Brooklyn Nets in a thriller, 106-104.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving once again ignited the floor for the Nets and were torching it early in the game as the duo continued their offensive onslaught and picked up where they left off in their past two huge victories.

However, when Brooklyn looked to launch another avalanche, the Hornets fought back with resiliency and were able to maintain their defensive intensity in the first half, hanging to a two-point deficit heading into the third, 50-48.

Soon as the second half started, everyone including the boys from the bench ran like a well-oiled machine to match up against the Nets’ explosiveness to make it a toe-to-toe affair.

Eight players for the Hornets scored in double-digits compared to the Nets’ five and were able to match up well against a deep Brooklyn lineup.

Newly acquired forward Gordon Hayward proved to be the star for the Hornets in the fourth quarter after the savvy swingman sank timely baskets to help push their lead to 13, 94-81.

Devonte Graham also came up big in the clutch with his three-point shooting to silence the visiting Nets.

Hayward scored 28 points while tallying seven assists and six rebounds while Graham contributed 13 points, eight boards, and three dimes.

The dynamic duo of Durant and Irving continued their offensive prowess and led their team by scoring 29 and 25 respectively.

The Hornets’ victory over Brooklyn is their first of the season.