As LaMelo Ball dribbled the ball up the court in the final minute, most of the 14,2563 patrons in attendance rose to their feet and cheered, expressing their excitement for the moment.
It was probably for their own good anyway, given most would have likely been on the edge of their seats gnawing their nails down to the cuticles. That’s what these Charlotte Hornets do. They take you to the bring of emotional exhaustion, laughing at the obstacles tossed in their direction.
Even on a night when they were without their top reserve against the defending champions, losing Kelly Oubre for likely the bulk of the week due to health and safety protocols, the Hornets found a way to pull out one of their most gratifying wins of the season.