KJ Simpson shines in debut start as Hornets challenge Nuggets
The Charlotte Hornets entered their matchup against the Denver Nuggets riding high after a commanding win over the Toronto Raptors. However, they faced the daunting task of going up against a formidable opponent, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. At 16-6, the Nuggets had established themselves as one of the league’s elite teams, often dominating their opponents early, having led by 10 or more points in 21 of their first 22 games.
Hornets Grapple with Injuries
The Hornets were dealt a difficult hand, with significant absences in their backcourt. LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, and Tre Mann were all sidelined for this contest, leaving the team with limited guard options. Additionally, shortly before tip-off, it was announced that Moussa Diabate would not play, leading to increased responsibilities for Mason Plumlee.
Jamal Murray’s Explosive Start
As the game tipped off, Jamal Murray emerged as the early standout. He came out firing, pouring in 23 points in the first quarter on an impressive 10-of-13 shooting. Despite Murray’s offensive explosion, the Hornets were able to keep pace, thanks in part to the contributions of Liam McNeeley, who added 9 points. The two teams entered the second quarter locked in a tie, showcasing a thrilling back-and-forth battle.
KJ Simpson Takes Center Stage
The second quarter quickly turned into the KJ Simpson show. Stepping into the starting role due to the Hornets’ depleted guard rotation, Simpson proved he was more than up for the challenge. He scored 8 points in the quarter, finishing the first half with a season-high 13 points. His efforts allowed the Hornets to take a slim one-point lead into halftime, igniting hope for the Charlotte faithful.
Nuggets Surge but Hornets Hold Ground
As the third quarter unfolded, it appeared the Hornets might be in for another tough stretch, as the Nuggets pushed their lead to 9 points. However, the Hornets refused to buckle under pressure. A clutch step-back three from Brandon Miller narrowed the gap to four points, but Jokic quickly responded with a smooth floater, extending Denver’s lead to six as the quarter came to a close.
Jokic’s Brilliance Seals the Game
Just a minute into the fourth quarter, the Nuggets continued their trend of dominating games, marking their 22nd instance of leading by 10 or more this season. Nevertheless, the Hornets maintained their competitiveness, buoyed by strong performances from Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel. Yet, it was Jokic’s brilliance that shone through, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the game’s best. Despite the Hornets’ valiant efforts, they ultimately fell to the Nuggets, 115-106, dropping their record to 7-17.
KJ Simpson’s Promising Start
In his inaugural start of the season, KJ Simpson showcased his potential with a solid performance, putting up 16 points, 5 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. This marked the second-highest scoring output of his young career and highlighted the essential guard play the Hornets desperately needed in this contest. Simpson’s emergence could be a silver lining in what has been a challenging season for Charlotte.
