Devonte Graham’s 3 from way out there finally ends Hornets’ losing streak at six
Figures it would take something extraordinary for the Charlotte Hornets to break a season-worst, six-game losing streak
It took a 3-pointer from about 30 feet by Devonte Graham in the final minute, a timeout that avoided what could have been a disastrous turnover and Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Colin Sexton missing an open look from 3 in a 109-106 road victory on Thursday night.
Terry Rozier, who grew up outside Cleveland, scored 30 points, including 1 of 2 free throws with three seconds left.
Nine other observations:
▪ The first half was an illustration that as Graham goes, so goes the Hornets offense this season. He went scoreless, missing three shots, and the Hornets made just 39% from the field.
▪ Graham, the Hornets’ leading scorer this season, finally scored with 8 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter on a pull-up 3.
▪ Moments later, a second Graham 3 tied the score at 75, as the Hornets made nine of their first 12 shots of the second half.
▪ Graham is getting so much special attention from defenses. He has responded by being more of a facilitator, with four games of 10 or more assists of late. He finished Thursday with 16 points and 11 assists.
▪ The Hornets really missed rookie P.J. Washington’s post-ups when he was out five games with a broken finger. On Thursday, he constantly went into the post in the first half, providing some balance with Charlotte’s jump-shooters.
▪ Down eight quickly in the first quarter, Hornets coach James Borrego wasn’t reluctant to sub. Starter Miles Bridges left the game in the first four minutes, for Dwayne Bacon. Then, Borrego sent in center Cody Zeller, who scored 10 first-quarter points.
▪ What started as a horrible defensive first quarter — 20 points allowed in the first 7 1/2 minutes — ended up respectable, with the Hornets leading 31-29 going into the second quarter.
▪ Rookie Cody Martin, who often has been the first Hornet off the bench of late, didn’t play.
▪ Marvin Williams had to leave the court late in the third quarter and couldn’t return, with heavy bleeding from the bridge of his nose.
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 9:31 PM.
