The Charlotte Hornets produced a strong play in the first half of the game against the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets for the second time in nine days. But, once again, the Hornets were derailed by a disastrous third quarter in a 111-93 loss in the Mile High City on Monday night. This was the Hornets’ 11th straight loss, continuing with their recent struggles. On the other hand, the Nuggets registered their 10th win in 12 outings and fifth straight in the head-to-head series with the Hornets. Jamal Murray scored 25 points, 11 of which came in the crucial third quarter, assisting the Nuggets in their incredible comeback.
Michael Porter Jr. led the way with 22 points, and Nikola Jokic had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Reggie Jackson also had a big game for the Nuggets, scoring 15 points. Aaron Gordon returned to the Nuggets lineup after missing two games due to injuries sustained from a dog bite, and the American finished with 10 points.
On the other side, Miles Bridges scored 20 points for the fourth time in five games for the Hornets, finishing with a team-high 26 on 10-of-14 shooting, nine rebounds, and five assists in the loss. Nick Richards and Brandon Miller both scored 15 points for the Hornets, who utilized their 13th different starting lineup of the season due to Terry Rozier’s sickness. Bryce McGowens and Ish Smith both contributed 10 points.
A 49-49 game at halftime rapidly turned in the Nuggets’ favor in the third quarter, which they dominated by a landslide 40-17 margin. Denver shot 63.2% (5-of-8 from 3-point range) and made all 11 free throw tries in the first 12 minutes of the second half, forcing five turnovers and not allowing a single charity stripe visit. The Nuggets had earlier used a 25-1 run in the third quarter of their victory over the Hornets on 23rd December, and they nearly repeated that accomplishment in this game.
The Nuggets went on a 17-0 run in the third quarter, propelled by great performances from Murray, Porter, and Jokic. The Hornets never threatened again after that, completing their first losing skid of at least 11 games from November 26 to December 29, 2012 (lost 18 straight).
The one thing that stood out to me was the turnovers, said Hornets Head Coach Steve Clifford. I think we only had six turnovers at half, and we had four pretty quickly in the third that they made us pay on, Clifford concluded.
