The Charlotte Hornets just dropped their second preseason game, falling on the road to the Boston Celtics 114-93, and the real killer was staring everyone in the face: turnovers. The Hornets coughed up the ball a shocking 30 times, which is even worse than the 25 giveaways they had in their preseason opener against the Brooklyn Nets. Seriously, thirty? That’s just wild.
The Turnover Nightmare Continues
It’s hard to win any game, let alone against a team like the Celtics, when you’re essentially handing them possessions. This isn’t just a one-off thing, either; they gave it up 25 times against the Nets. That’s a pattern, and it’s not a good one. With a 1-2 record in preseason play, the message is loud and clear: take care of the rock, fellas. You can’t be giving away that many chances, especially when every single possession matters.
Anderson Jr. And Salaun Are Flashing Serious Potential
Amidst the turnover chaos, there were some legitimate bright spots. Christian Anderson Jr., the No. 18 overall pick out of Texas Tech, made his team debut and did not disappoint. The rookie scored 10 points in just 21 minutes, shooting a solid 50% from the field and an incredible 66% from beyond the arc. He also grabbed a rebound, dished out an assist, and snatched two steals. This kid’s got game, and fans should be hyped for what’s coming.
And let’s not forget about Frenchman Tidjane Salaun. He was right there with Brandon Miller, tying for a team-high 16 points. Salaun also added a rebound and an assist, showcasing a seriously improved 3-point shot by converting 4-of-8 attempts. These two young guys are showing they can contribute right away, which is super encouraging for the future.
The Hornets have one more preseason matchup left, taking on the Memphis Grizzlies on October 16. If they want to put together a more well-rounded effort, they’ve absolutely got to get their ball-handling issues sorted out. That means tighter passes, better decision-making, and less gifting the opponent extra shots. It’s time to lock in.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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