Hornets look to snap two-game losing streak against the Denver Nuggets
After an exciting 99-96 win against the Toronto Raptors last week, the Hornets have dropped two straight against the Bucks and Spurs.
After battling all game, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to pull away in the fourth quarter and win Sunday afternoon 93-85 at Spectrum Center. Tuesday night the Hornets were leading the SAn Antonio Spurs by 17 points, but the Spurs were able to rally late and squeak out a 104-103 win. Tim Duncan was acting head coach for San Antonio and now has a career record of 1-0 as head coach.
Star point guard Devonte’ Graham did not play Tuesday night due to ankle soreness. The Hornets committed 17 turnovers which the Spurs scored 19 points off of. ‘Scary’ Terry Rozier had 20 points, followed by P.J. Washington with 19 and Miles Bridges with 15.
Charlotte lost the last meeting with Denver 100-86 as they wrapped up a four-game road trip in the Rocky Mountains on January 15. Last time these two teams faced, the Denver bench outscored Charlotte’s bench 52-13 led by Michael Porter Jr. (19), Mason Plumlee (15) and P.J. Dozier (12).
Denver has won 7 of their last 11 games but lost at the hands of the last-place Golden State Warriors 116-100 at home on Tuesday. Despite leading the NBA in offensive rating during the fourth quarter (117.0) the Warriors outscored the Nuggets by 15 during that stretch in Tuesday’s game. Defensively the Nuggets struggle sitting 21st in defensive rating (113.9). Denver also allows the fifth-most opposing points off of turnovers (20 PPG).
Of course the Hornets defense will have their hands filled with All-NBA First-Team center Nikola Jokic (23 PPG, 7 APG, 62%FG) and Jamal Murray (22PPG, 51%FG, 40%3P). The Hornets forced 10 turnovers versus San Antonio Tuesday night. The Hornets must be disruptive on defense to get a win against a top-3 team in the West.
Charlotte has won three straight home meetings against Denver with the last home loss against the mile-high team on March 19, 2016. The Nuggets are 15-8 against the Eastern Conference this season and have an overall road record of 17-12.
