Hornets vs Lakers
In a thrilling NBA matchup on February 19, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets edged out the Los Angeles Lakers with a final score of 100-97 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Hornets and marked the league’s first game following the All-Star break.
Key Performances:
- LaMelo Ball: The dynamic point guard led the Hornets with 27 points, showcasing his clutch abilities by driving to the basket and scoring a pivotal layup with just 14.2 seconds remaining, extending Charlotte’s lead.
- Miles Bridges: Contributing significantly to the Hornets’ offense, Bridges tallied 29 points, including five three-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds, providing consistent scoring throughout the game.
- LeBron James: The Lakers’ veteran star recorded a double-double with 26 points and 11 assists. Despite his efforts, James missed two potential game-tying three-point attempts in the final moments of the game.
- Luka Doncic: Struggling with his shooting, Doncic managed 14 points but was only 1-of-9 from beyond the arc, impacting the Lakers’ offensive rhythm.
Game Highlights:
The Lakers established an early lead, outscoring the Hornets 28-21 in the first quarter. However, Charlotte mounted a comeback with a significant 23-3 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, shifting the momentum in their favor. The Hornets’ defense held the Lakers to 36.3% shooting from the field, capitalizing on turnovers and fast-break opportunities.
A critical moment occurred when Lakers’ guard Austin Reaves received two consecutive technical fouls, leading to his ejection and further challenging Los Angeles’ rotation.
In the closing seconds, with the Lakers trailing by three, James attempted two three-pointers to tie the game but was unsuccessful, sealing the win for the Hornets.
This game highlights the Hornets’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Lakers will need to regroup and address their shooting inconsistencies as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
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