The Charlotte Hornets have lacked a finishing touch for most of the season, but they’ll try to at least cap 2022 with something to remember.
The Hornets host a New Year’s Eve game Saturday night against the scorching Brooklyn Nets.
The task looks challenging for Charlotte, as the Nets enter on a 10-game winning streak.
The Hornets opened their homestand with Thursday night’s 121-113 victory against Oklahoma City.
The Hornets need to start producing in home games. They had lost five in a row on their home court until the result against Oklahoma City.
If there’s a new surge of excitement stemming from the Hornets it might revolve around point guard LaMelo Ball, who was one assist shy of a double-double Thursday night with 27 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The Hornets also are bound to be pumped up about rookie center Mark Williams, who has spent most of the season in the G League. He came off the bench to rack up 17 points (7-for-7 shooting), 13 rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals Thursday night.
Williams turned out to be quite a combination with starting center Mason Plumlee, who posted 14 points and nine rebounds. The two big men combined to shoot 13-for-14 from the field.
The Nets have been off since Wednesday night’s 108-107 escape in Atlanta. This visit to Charlotte will conclude a three-game road trip.
Brooklyn’s winning streak began Dec. 7 with a 122-116 home victory against the Hornets, with Kyrie Irving pouring in 33 points in that game.
Either Irving or Durant has been the Nets’ leading scorer in all except one game this season. Durant racked up 27 points in a Nov. 5 win at Charlotte.
The Hornets would covet sustained success. They’re aiming to secure back-to-back wins for just the second time this season. Ball missed both previous games against the Nets.
