The Charlotte Hornets were ready to break out from the adversity. 14 years and twelve playoff games have come and gone without the Hornets claiming the win in any of them. But that was all about to change.
Game Three brought some change to the starting lineup. Center Cody Zeller has been unable to find his rhythm and the loss of swingman Nic Batum indefinitely forced the hand of Charlotte head coach Steve Clifford. Rookie big man Frank Kaminsky and veteran center Al Jefferson got promoted to the starting lineup going into the third game of this series.