CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Hornets used a dominant first quarter to build a commanding lead and hold a 51-39 advantage over the Brooklyn Nets at halftime on Tuesday night.
The opening frame was all Hornets, as they exploded for a 17-0 run to seize control. Their defense stifled the Nets, holding Brooklyn to just 18 points on 35% shooting in the quarter. Charlotte’s offense flowed through Brandon Miller, who was electric with 16 first-half points on efficient shooting, pacing his team to a 35-18 lead after one.
Brooklyn showed signs of life in the second quarter, winning the period 21-16 behind more active play from rookies Nolan Traore and Josh Minott, who combined for 16 points. The Nets’ defense tightened, but they struggled to string together a sustained run to truly threaten the deficit, as Charlotte’s starters, including LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges (8 points each), provided steady answers.
Miller’s scoring punch is the clear story, while the Nets will need a more balanced and potent offensive attack to mount a comeback. Brooklyn must solve Charlotte’s defensive pressure quickly, or the Hornets will run away with this one in the second half.
