The Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics put on a show in the first of a back-to-back. The Celtics walked away victorious, 124-109, but the Hornets played with maximum effort, grit, and toughness to give the defending world champion a fight to the end.
I could very easily go with LaMelo Ball here, but we need to spread the love around a little bit. I mean, where would the Hornets be without Tre Mann? Like, seriously? And who would have thought I'd ever be saying that? Mann continues to be a big-time piece off of the bench for Charles Lee, tonight pouring in 23 points on 10/18 shooting from the field. He can make contested shots from outside but is a pretty crafty finisher inside as well, which he put on display a couple of times tonight.
Charlotte still has a lot to figure out defensively, but the most staggering issue of the night was their inability to defend the paint. Boston is a team that typically loves to live and die with the three, so entering the night, they ranked 28th in paint points per game, averaging 37.6 Tonight, they finished with 56. Now, not having Nick Richards (shoulder) for the second half certainly played a factor, but they allowed those looks inside all night long.
Shots from deep were flying all over the place for both teams in the first half, with Charlotte and Boston combining for 54 attempts in the first half alone. The pace was very fast in the first 24 minutes, and with all of the triples being launched, it felt like the first to 200 would win the game. Kidding, of course, but it was an offensive explosion in that first half.
I'll take that! 😤@tre2mann3 | @hornets pic.twitter.com/Ng3uWlWHXY
Next up: Saturday vs. Celtics at 6 p.m. EST.
Tre Mann's Impact Off the Bench
Tre Mann's performance off the bench was a bright spot for the Hornets. He led the team in scoring with 23 points, showcasing his ability to score from both inside and outside. Mann has become a crucial part of Charles Lee's rotation, and his contributions will be vital for the Hornets moving forward.
Defensive Struggles for the Hornets
While the Hornets put up a good fight, they struggled to contain the Celtics offensively, particularly in the paint. This was a major area of weakness for the Hornets, and it ultimately contributed to their loss. The team's defensive strategy will need to be addressed as they move forward.
A Fast-Paced Offensive Battle
The game featured a high-scoring, fast-paced style of play, with both teams launching numerous three-point attempts. This made for an exciting and entertaining game for the fans, even though the Hornets ultimately fell short. While this game had a lopsided result, the high-scoring, fast-paced nature of the game created a great atmosphere for basketball fans to enjoy.
