The third quarter woes returned, at least on this Friday night, in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 142-120 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
After a very competitive, energy-filled first half, the Pelicans were squashed by a 42-27 margin out of intermission. The Hornets hit seven of 14 three-pointers in that decisive third frame. Each Charlotte make felt like a dagger for a New Orleans team that was struggling to defend and score points at the same time ... well, until at least Trey Murphy III checked in.
Following a solid 8-point, 4-rebound first half, Murphy entered the third quarter with Charlotte ahead 77-61 after a 16-6 run.