The NBA Eastern Conference is making it clear that anything is possible, even for the Charlotte Hornets to return to the playoffs for the third time in ten years. From the hand of LaMelo Ball, Michael Jordan’s franchise is fifth and is proving they can aspire to the postseason.
On Saturday night, the Hornets faced the Toronto Raptors, an always tricky opponent despite not having their best time. Dance and company took advantage of the absences of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby and they took the victory 114-104. However, the most striking of the night happened in the first quarter.
In times where all teams live off three-point shooting and Golden State Warriors placed as one of the best in this regard to have Stephen Curry, Charlotte was left with a record not held by St. Francis. The Hornets matched the historic record for the number of long-range shots scored in a quarter.
The Charlotte Hornets made history in the NBA
The Charlotte Hornets converted 11 triples in the first half and tied for the best record in the NBA which belonged to two other teams: Milwaukee Bucks, March 2006, and Cleveland Cavaliers, January 2010. It wasn’t just these, in total they scored 21 triples out of 49 attempts to take the victory by ten points.
How could it be otherwise, the top scorer of the night was Lamelo Ball. The rookie cleared with 23 points (6/9 long distance), plus 9 rebounds, 6 assists, a block and a steal. Ball was well accompanied by the 17 of Terry Rozier and Devonte ‘Graham to keep up with playoff hopes.