Charlotte Hornets break losing streak with crucial win over Chicago Bulls
The Charlotte Hornets entered their final NBA Cup game against the Chicago Bulls desperate for a turnaround after enduring a disheartening seven-game losing streak. It had been a staggering 16 days since their last victory, a stretch during which the team managed to win only two games in November. With their starters back in action, the Hornets were eager to seize the opportunity against a Bulls squad fresh off a tough defeat.
Brandon Miller leads the charge
Third-year forward Brandon Miller set the tone early, scoring 7 points on 3-of-5 shooting in the first quarter. Despite facing some challenges in recent games, Miller showcased his potential and helped fuel an offensive surge. The Hornets continued their trend of strong starts, marking their 17th first-quarter performance with at least 30 points this season. LaMelo Ball also contributed significantly, propelling the Hornets to a narrow 3-point lead over the Bulls, who held a record of 9-8, as they moved into the second quarter.
A competitive first half
The second quarter mirrored the first, as the Hornets maintained their momentum and entered halftime with a slight 5-point advantage. However, the team faced familiar hurdles in the second half—an issue that has plagued them throughout the season. The Bulls capitalized on this, launching multiple scoring runs that allowed them to take the lead. As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, a Coby White layup narrowed the Hornets’ lead to just 4 points with under three minutes remaining, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Defensive stand seals the victory
In a critical moment, the Hornets’ defense rose to the occasion, forcing the Bulls to miss four consecutive shots. This defensive stand effectively sealed the game, allowing the Hornets to secure a hard-fought 123-116 victory. With this win, the Hornets not only snapped their seven-game losing streak but also marked their first triumph in over two weeks. Looking ahead, they will face the 14-5 Toronto Raptors on their home court the following night.
Brandon Miller’s resurgence
Miller, who has had an unfortunate season with only five appearances thus far, demonstrated what the Hornets have been missing. Despite struggling with shooting percentages—hitting just 41.8% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc—his performance against the Bulls indicated a positive shift. Over the first three quarters, he tallied an impressive 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks while shooting 50% from the floor and an encouraging 45% from three-point range. Although he concluded the game with 27 points, his return to form signals hope for the Hornets as they continue to navigate a challenging season.
As the team reflects on this much-needed victory, they are left to ponder how they can build on this success and tackle their next challenge against the Raptors.
