GAMENOTES: Regular Season Game #45 Charlotte Hornets (12-32) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (27-20) - January 31st, 2025

What remains of the Hornets avoid the blowout and that's about all you can ask at this point

FINAL

Charlotte Hornets 104 (12-33) - Los Angeles Clippers 112 (28-20)

THE BOXSCORE

WHY DID THEY LOSE? (AND OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES)

• The Charlotte Hornets avoided even the notion of a blowout to the much better and healthier Clippers by playing with much better energy and defensive discipline. Offensively they couldn’t hit outside shots early and missed easy shots at the rim all night long. They stayed in the game through sheer force of will and points off turnovers, many of which involved the Hornets simply taking the ball from James Harden.

• Norman Powell was a tough cover all night. NSJ couldn’t stay in front of him and the Clippers did a good job of targeting that matchup or getting him switched onto Moussa.

• Vasa Micic turned in his best game of the season (20-2-3 on 58% shooting). He punished Zubac’s drop coverage on the PnR all night. He was a -14 but most of the starters took it on the chin because the Cilppers starters took it to them on offense.

• Josh Okogie was every bit the defensive menace we’ve come to know and love in his short time. In the 3rd quarter during a particularly torrid stretch for him he stripped Harden and raced down the floor for a layup And-1 but came up gimpy. He left the game with left hamstring tightness and did not return. If he misses time he’ll join an ever growing list.

• Moussa Diabate definitely led the charge with his energy on the boards and on defense (14 rebounds, 7 DREB, 7 OREB). If he works on his shot and his hands he’s gonna be a player.

• KJ Simpson and NSJ each shot 1/10 in their last game and were both looking for rebounds. KJ had some great effort plays but struggled to convert it into made baskets. NSJ was pretty bad in 25 minutes. 3 of 12 from the field, 0 of 3 from 3, 8 points, only 1 assists and I would generally rate his passing and playmaking as poor in this game.

NEWS AND NOTES

• Ball, Mann, Martin, Miller, Grant and Mark all OUT

  • Ball will be re-evaluated next week

  • Mark misses his 2nd straight game with injury management