Nets Unable to Close Out Hornets

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

(CHARLOTTE) — You can chalk this one to be yet another frustrating loss for the Brooklyn Nets.

Nicolas Batum scored 24 points as the Charlotte Hornets upended the Brooklyn Nets 116-111 on Wednesday night.

Despite leading for much of the game, the Nets were unable to build off of their impressive win over the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks the night before and dropped to 2-10 in the standings.

The starters held their own in this one, with Thaddeus Young (27 points) leading the way.  Brook Lopez added 23 points, while Joe Johnson and Jarrett Jack each chipped in 16.  Brooklyn’s lack of consistent bench play was a big reason why they were unable to pull out the victory.

Johnson scored 13 points in the first quarter as the Nets raced out to a double-digit lead.  They were unable to hold it, as the Hornets came charging back in the second quarter.  The second half was back-and-forth between the two teams, before the Hornets grabbed control of the game for good in the final frame.

Brooklyn had several chances to take the lead in the final two minutes, but failed to get the job done.  They forced 16 turnovers and had only nine themselves, which is a recipe for success in the NBA.  Unfortunately for them, they shot only 5-for-15 from long range, while the Hornets shot 11-of-25.

Lionel Hollins made a questionable coaching decision in the final minute.  The Nets were down by four points and were on a fast break, but he decided to call a timeout.  If he allowed Jack to push the ball up the floor, the Nets could’ve scored and made things a bit more interesting.

There’s no question the Nets have been a vastly improved team over the past week, but only have two wins to show for it.  Next up for the Nets is a home-and-home against the Boston Celtics beginning on Friday night in Boston.