Hornets Reactions: Undermanned Hornets take Lakers to wire in loss
Down four starters on the night, the Hornets offered up a valiant effort on Tuesday at home against the Lakers before falling short down the stretch, 101-93.
Charlotte had its chances late, cutting a double-digit fourth-quarter lead down to one point on multiple occasions. However, timely 3-pointers from Alex Caruso and Dennis Schroder down the stretch and empty possessions for Charlotte offensively stalled out the comeback.
Devonte’ Graham scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, including knocking down a 3-pointer with 1:54 left to cut the lead to 92-91. The Hornets had a chance to take the lead after an Andre Drummond turnover but followed with a turnover of their own before Alex Caruso buried a dagger 3-pointer to put the guests up 95-91 with 45.2 seconds left.
Graham finished with a team-high 19 points, Jalen McDaniels added 16 and Caleb Martin had his first career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Good: Jalen McDaniels
While the Hornets have been mired in an injury crisis, McDaniels has used that time for a coming out party. Prior to moving into the starting lineup, McDaniels averaged just 4.2 points in 24 of a possible 49 games played. After scoring 16 points on Tuesday, McDaniels is averaging 16.3 points as a starter with three double-digit scoring games in that span. It's tough to find many positives when the team is down four starters and their lead guard off the bench but McDaniels' recent play is a huge boost. Honorable mentions: Bismack Biyombo
The Bad: Bench
The Hornets were asking a lot of their bench against the Lakers. Down four starters, most of the bench players became starters and everyone shifted up a role. In the end, it meant Charlotte was outscored 39-18 in bench points. Brad Wanamaker, who has largely been good this season for the Hornets, finished 1-for-11 with a plus-minus of minus-26. Cody Martin and Cody Zeller finished with plus-minus totals of minus-16 and minus-18, respectively.
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