CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Maybe the Hornets’ struggled began with the earlier tip off time, which came 10 minutes quicker than normal because the NBA purposefully staggered its games on the eve before election day.
Perhaps Charlotte’s tough start stemmed from once again not having All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, who’s now closing in on a dozen games missed as he works his way back from a sprained left ankle.
Whatever the reason, the Charlotte Hornets looked rather lifeless at the outset of their matchup with Washington on Monday night. Considering they were skidding, having dropped four straight and six of seven, the slow start was a bit of a head-scratcher.
