There was a palpable buzz around the Spectrum Center on Friday, and understandably so.
What with coach Steve Clifford being back in the building (after the team announced late Thursday that he would end his leave from the team next Tuesday), it made sense the team was optimistic going into Friday’s matchup with the Utah Jazz.
Then when team owner Michael Jordan showed for the game and sat courtside, there was only more excitement in the building – and for once the Hornets capitalized on it, withstanding a career night from Donovan Mitchell to win 99-88.