The Charlotte Hornets faced their stiffest challenge on Sunday and put forth their best effort. Hosting the unbeaten Nets in the second night of a back-to-back, the Hornets controlled much of the second half and earned their first win of the year with a 106-104 victory.
Gordon Hayward was the main weapon offensively for the Hornets on the night, scoring 28 points including a barrage early in the fourth to open up a 16-point lead for Charlotte. Brooklyn clawed back into the game thanks to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as well as Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot knocking down a trio of long-range shots in the final frame.
However, Charlotte made enough plays down the stretch with a three-pointer from Devonte’ Graham and free throws from Rozier to hang on to the victory.