The Charlotte Hornets gave the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers hell on Friday, finishing two points shy of pulling one of the biggest upsets of the NBA season.
That meant the Nets, who entered Saturday’s matchup at Spectrum Center on a six-game losing streak, knew they’d be in for a war — even if star guard LaMelo Ball was sidelined because of a right ankle injury.
The Nets led 58-43 at halftime, were up 82-76 entering the fourth quarter, but couldn’t finish. Charlotte ended the game on a 22-5 run over the final 7:09 to end its nine-game losing streak and extend Brooklyn’s to seven.