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The Charlotte Hornets ended a six-game losing streak with a 124-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, but now face a demanding four-game road trip. The team will visit the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, November 12; the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, November 15; the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, November 17; and the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, November 20. With several top players sidelined by injuries, this stretch presents a significant challenge, yet earning two wins would mark meaningful progress.
A Tough Road Ahead
The trip opens against the Suns, led by Devin Booker's 25.1 points per game. Phoenix recently defeated the Clippers 133-110, a game that featured former Hornet Miles Bridges, who was traded to the Suns in the offseason. Charlotte then travels to Los Angeles to face the Clippers, a talented team that has exposed the Hornets' inconsistent road play this season. Next up are the Lakers, who are performing at an elite level, making a win at Crypto.com Arena a potential statement. The trip concludes in Atlanta against the Hawks, a division rival, where a victory would carry extra significance beyond the standings.
While winning either game in Los Angeles isn't required for the trip to be considered a success, an 0-4 record would undermine any claim of competitiveness. A 2-2 mark would be a successful outcome, but how Charlotte performs over the four games will be more telling than the final results.
Beyond a Hot Shooting Night
The win over Cleveland was impressive, but the Hornets cannot rely on replicating that shooting performance. Charlotte made 23 of 46 three-point attempts and built a 33-point lead at one point. Grayson Allen scored 27 points, including six three-pointers, while Naz Reid added 25 points and 13 rebounds. The team recorded 29 assists and had multiple players in double figures. However, the Hornets have struggled offensively for much of the season, and one strong game doesn't erase those concerns. They must find ways to win when shots aren't falling.
Injuries continue to be a factor, with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel among those sidelined. Miller is out against the Suns, but there is hope he could return during the trip. His presence would help space the floor and alleviate scoring pressure on Allen and Reid. The trip also offers younger players a chance to prove themselves. Tidjane Salan had 14 points and made three of four three-point attempts against Cleveland. Charlotte needs to identify which players can be counted on when the team isn't shooting 50% from beyond the arc, a question more relevant over an 82-game season than in a single game.
If the Hornets can play four complete quarters, limit turnovers, and get increased production from their supporting cast, there will be reason for optimism. Conversely, an 0-4 trip would diminish the significance of Monday's win. Charlotte has an opportunity to turn its season around over the next four games; perfection isn't required, but the team must show that Monday's victory was more than just a good night.