Eastern Conference Standings: 10th with a 3-5 record.

Charlotte Hornets and the Detroit Pistons engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that went down to the wire. The first quarter witnessed a competitive battle in which both teams scored baskets. The Hornets finished the game strongly, overcoming a seven-point deficit, but Simone Fontecchio’s late strike gave the Pistons a narrow 24-23 lead.

In the second quarter, the Hornets mounted a nine-point comeback, powered by three successful three-pointers, including a stunning 26-foot step-back jumper by LaMelo Ball. This surge allowed Charlotte to take a slight lead at halftime, 46-45.

The intensity continued in the second half, with neither team gaining a significant advantage and both sides scoring 31 points each in the third period.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster. The Pistons briefly took control after making five consecutive shots in the half. As the clock ticked down and with just two minutes remaining, Ball took control and scored 8 of his crucial 15 points in the fourth to put the Hornets ahead. But a late turnover by Brandon Miller in the closing seconds gave the Pistons a chance to steal the win. Ron Holland II took the opportunity and scored two points to put Detroit ahead 107-106. With just seconds remaining, Grant Williams’ potential game-winning three-pointer missed the target, but Miller was there to score the final basket, securing the Hornets a thrilling 108-107 win.

LaMelo saves the ball

What matters is not how you start, but how you finish. LaMelo Ball’s late-game heroics lifted the Hornets to victory. After a quiet start, he exploded in the fourth quarter and scored 15 points, including eight in the final two minutes. Ball finished his sixth game of 25 or more this season with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals.

Struggles from beyond the arc

Charlotte once again had a bad experience shooting from distance on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the Hornets went 10-of-42 from three-point range. Despite some open looks, the Hornets missed six of their first seven attempts from beyond the arc in the first quarter. The fight continued as the Hornets finished the game from the bottom with 14-44.

Hornets finish perfectly from the line up

Despite having difficulty shooting overall, the Hornets successfully made all 16 free throws, going 16 for 16 from the line. In a closely contested game that featured numerous lead changes and intense goal exchanges, free throws became even more critical and the Hornets perfected this aspect of their game.

Miller time approaching clutch

The Hornets return home to play the Indiana Pacers on Friday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.

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