GAMENOTES: Charlotte Hornets (9-31) at Minnesota Timberwolves (30-12) - January 22nd, 2024

Against all odds the Hornets get WINNY IN MINNY!

FINAL

Charlotte Hornets 128 (10-31) - Minnesota Timberwolves 125 (30-13)

THE BOXSCORE

Credit DALL E 3 “a teal and purple hornet tames a wild wolf in a snowy tundra environment in the style of a children's book illustration”

THE BIG STORIES

• The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a stunning defeat of the best team in the better conference despite one of their best players, Karl Anthony-Towns putting up a 62-point career high-scoring effort on 60% shooting and 10 made 3s. They did it despite the fact that they played a team that plays with more skilled size in the league and were without their starting and backup centers due to injuries. They did it despite their star tandem of guards combining to shoot under 40% and only making one combined 3-pointer. They did it despite being down 15 points going into the 4th quarter after losing that quarter by 10 points. They did it despite giving up 18 3PM on 45% shooting.

• How did they do it??! Here were the key factors:

  • Karl Anthony-Towns had 44 points at the half in a close-ish game. His and the larger team's pursuit of a record-setting night resulted in bad shots and possessions that allowed the Hornets to stay within striking distance as their own shooting dried up. Rudy Gobert only took 6 shots and was guarded by PJ Washington and Nathan Mensah.

  • The Hornets bench delivered in a big way throughout the game ESPECIALLY in the decisive 4th quarter. JT Thor and Nick Smith Jr. hit multiple big-time corner 3s. Leaky Black had 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and a block....in less than 5 minutes of action including free throws that made it a 3-point game heading into the final possession.

  • Anthony Edwards was a threat to not play at all due to an illness but was a late add to the starting lineup. He didn't make his first shot until 3 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. He wasn't himself. Huge bullet dodged.

  • The starters delivered clutch play after clutch play to help seal a victory. Brandon Miller's fadeaway over Edwards tight defense. Terry Rozier's circus shots to avoid the long arms of Rudy Gobert. LaMelo Ball dealing assist after assist despite the fact that he couldn't buy a foul call. Miles Bridges staying out of foul trouble and playing more physical with KAT in the 2nd half.

• The Hornets won the 4th quarter 36-18. Here are some fun numbers.