Instead of Rozier or Martin hitting a game-winning shot, Hornets turn it over vs. Spurs
The Charlotte Hornets went without a shot in their final possession, allowing the San Antonio Spurs to escape with a 104-103 victory at Spectrum Center.
Hornets point guard Terry Rozier drove to the rim, drew multiple defenders, and whipped a one-handed pass to rookie Cody Martin. He couldn’t handle the ball, the Spurs grabbed it in and the clock sounded on a game the Hornets once led by 17 in the first half.
Dejounte Murray led the Spurs (26-34) with 21 points. Rozier finished with 20 points and P.J. Washington added 19 on a night when guard Devonte Graham sat out with a sore left ankle.
The Spurs were coached by former superstar Tim Duncan, who joined San Antonio’s staff this season. Coach Gregg Popovich couldn’t be at the game, the team said, due to a family issue.
Good Buzz
The top two focuses for Hornets coach James Borrego post-All Star break were rebounds and turnovers. The Turnovers weren’t so great in the first half — Charlotte committed eight — but outrebounding the Spurs 28-16 before halftime was impressive. The Hornets entered this game 29th among 30 teams in defensive-rebound percentage, a key stat in limiting opposition possessions. They never trailed first half.
The Hornets finished the game with a 47-33 rebounding advantage.
Bee Stings
The Spurs assembled a 28-point third quarter to take their first lead that was all about dribble-penetration. A Hornets team that has been much improved defensively of late gave up 10 of 22 shooting from the field.
Building Blocks
Rookie Jalen McDaniels, one of the last picks in June’s draft (52nd among 60), continues to show promise since being called up from Greensboro. The forward from San Diego State played 17 first-half minutes, totaling six points , eight rebounds and three assists in that span. His best play was two put-backs of his own shots to keep a possession alive for a basket.
Beyond the Numbers
This was the first game Graham has missed due to injury this season and just the third time Graham or Rozier has been out. Durability by those two playing heavy minutes has allowed the Hornets to dodge needing a full-time third point guard on the roster, an NBA norm.
The Hornets signed Joe Chealey to a second 10-day contract Tuesday, and coach James Borrego acknowledged, “We needed a point guard and we needed one quick.”
Chealey played 12 minutes, finishing with two points and no assists. Whether it’s Chealey or someone else, the Hornets need to address this roster problem for the rest of the season.
This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 9:18 PM.
