The Hornets are fending off the Wizards’ baby bottle class

With this 18th win, the Hornets reach the same total as the Bucks, and are closer to the 10th place in the Eastern Conference, which is synonymous with “playable”. LaMelo Ball and her partners are far from it, but they are well on their way.

Usually, games played at noon are marked by mistakes of all kinds. That’s not the case at the start of the match with a festival of skill on both sides (17-13) on this floor worthy of the NBA Cup. Alex Saar shoots inside to provide variety, but the Hornets have a richer squad, with creators who find the scorers. This makes it 13-0 to take control (29-21). On the Wizards side, Keyshawn George takes over and the Wizards trail by just one point (35-34) after twelve minutes.

The Wizards stick with Tre Johnson to score in the corner, or Bubba Carrington to score from the post. But, as in the first quarter, they got a big wind in the middle of the period. This time it’s 15-0 with a 15-point deficit… Kon Knuepel is perfect for shots, and the Hornets come to the break with an eight-point lead (66-58). At 60% on 3-pointers, and no turnovers, the gap could be wider.

What’s next? A script that remains the same with the Hornets using several spurts to build an 18-point lead. LaMelo Ball can focus on creating, and Myles Bridges and Brandon Miller are serving themselves at the plate to make the difference. Down the panel, Moussa Diabate limits the impact of Alex Sarr.

Except the Hornets will fall asleep and the Wizards will go on a crazy comeback, to the point of getting back within one possession on a layup by Jamir Watkins (114-112). The final two minutes are tight and tight, with the Hornets going down to the wire thanks to two free throws from Miles Bridges.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

The five youngest in history! With an average age of 20.6, the Wizards started the game with the youngest five in history since the NBA included player age in its statistics in 1980. The players in this record are Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr, Babb Carrington, Keeshon George and Will Riley.

Advanced encounter. Due to the wave of ice that will affect the east coast of the United States, the Hornets decided to postpone the meeting until 12:00 p.m. The decision that also suited the Wizards from Washington is affected by this icy episode with snowfall that can reach 30 centimeters or more in some areas.

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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.