The Hornets lost again… and LaMelo Ball got injured

The “losers” match between Washington and Charlotte, two teams looking for their first pre-season success, unfortunately kept all its promises. Firstly because of the level of play which has clearly not reached peaks, but also for the injuries of two important players from each team, LaMelo Ball on one side and Kristaps Porzingis, both injured in the ankle.

The Latvian shone by scoring 20 points in 16 minutes. The same cannot be said for Lonzo Ball’s little brother who seemed to be in pain with his shot (2/10). Despite that, Charlotte had managed to put on a good face. There was the interesting entry of Gordon Hayward, the beautiful first half of Terry Rozier, then a third quarter rather well managed, with the remarkable passages of JT Thor and Nick Richards (89-81).

The Wizards did what was necessary not to win, relying in turn on Rui Hachimura, Delon Wright and Daniel Gafford, until 7-0 concluded by Wright’s 3-pointer which allowed them to pass in front (101-104).

Irony of history: we will remember that Vernon Carey Jr, drafted by the Hornets in 2020, helped preserve the advantage of the Wizards until the end, with two baskets, including one with the fault, rebounds and even a interception in the last moments of the bet.

On arrival, the finding remains worrying for Charlotte, beaten 116-107. The Hornets will have one last chance to remake themselves in the preseason, against the Sixers on Thursday. On Saturday, the Wizards will face the Knicks.