Four in a row for the Hornets

THE Hornets they confirmed their excellent momentum by dominating the Blazers (109-93), thus recording their fourth consecutive victory. A success that allows them to move closer to a balanced record (30v-31d) and reclaim 9th place in the Eastern Conference.

From the beginning, the difference was made behind the arc. Portland completely missed the first quarter with 3 points, missing its first ten attempts, and Charlotte took advantage of the opportunity to quickly take control (29-17).

Brandon Miller set the tone. The winger scored four shots in the second quarter for a total of 12 points in the period. At halftime, the Hornets led 51-43, controlling the tempo against a struggling Blazers offense.

Despite the absences of Danny Avdia and Shaddon Sharpe, the veterans tried to keep Portland going. Jrue Holiday (25 points on 9/16) took over his offensive responsibilities, with good support from Jerami Grant (21 points). The Blazers then pulled back to within 74-67 at the end of the third quarter, suggesting a possible comeback. But just like at the beginning of the match, the outside skill betrayed them at a crucial moment.

In the Finals, Portland missed 10 of 12 3-point attempts. The final score: 11 of 47 from behind the arc and a 16-point loss to the Hornets, who are back within striking distance of the Bucks in the playoff race, and who are even ahead of the Hawks.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

White effect. It almost went unnoticed, but the Hornets made one of the best moves of the trade deadline with the arrival of Kobe White. The former Bulls scorer is finding a wild card role, and his 20 points hurt the Blazers a lot and help make up for Kon Knuepel’s little night.

Diabetes is essential. A new double-double for Moussa Diabate, become one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. His specialty: deflecting rebounds toward the shooter. The result, five assists with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Portland can see this coming. The Blazers aren’t at their best, but their spot in the playoffs is all but assured as the 11th-ranked Grizzlies and 12th-ranked Mavericks are in tanking mode. On the other hand, if the bad situation continues, they will slip to 10th place.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.