CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Terry Rozier pointed into the western side of the Spectrum Center stands and then to the floor as if to remind everyone.
Rozier had just thrown down a right-handed, fast break dunk, bringing most of the 19,287 patrons in the sellout crowd to its feet in a way they hadn’t risen since hearing rapper Petey Pablo, North Carolina’s own, rock the microphone at halftime. Rozier pulled the Charlotte Hornets within two, giving them a fighter’s chance to knock off impressive New Orleans.
Even without the services of LaMelo Ball for a second straight game, they hung with the Pelicans for the better part of three quarters. But New Orleans held firm on its grip and spoiled the Hornets’ home opener, sending them to a 124-112 loss.
