Recap: All-around effort by Hornets fends off late-game push by Diallo, Pistons

The Hornets took on the Pistons for the second time in three games in this one. Despite a valiant effort by Detroit, the Hornets were able to hang on, 102-99. LaMelo Ball led the way for Charlotte, but it was an all-around effort that was able to get the job done.

With Charlotte dealing with a ton of injuries, they were able to get contributions from a ton of different places. Ball (23), Terry Rozier (18), Caleb Martin (17), Brad Wanamaker (15), Cody Zeller (11), and Jalen McDaniels (10) all scored in the double digits.

Martin in particular provided a constant stream of consistency for the Hornets on both ends of the floor. Ball was his normal, spectacular self, adding seven rebounds and six assists to go along with his scoring total.

Meanwhile, for the Pistons, Hamidou Diallo carried the burden on the offense. He had 37 points and seven rebounds while shooting 14-22 from the field and 4-6 shooting from deep. Sekou Doumbouya (20), Frank Jackson (14), and Jahlil Okafor (12) also contributed solid numbers for Detroit.

It was a very closely contested game all the way through. Charlotte managed to hold a fairly consistent lead, but the Pistons were able to make a big-time push in the fourth quarter. Diallo exploded in the final quarter, scoring 14 of the Pistons 27 points. With no Jerami Grant, he filled in as the leader for them in this one.

The Hornets continued to share the load offensively as they tried to fend off the Pistons’ comeback. Rozier nailed a clutch and-one bucket, but Detroit just kept surging forward. The Hornets had a 100-98 lead with around 30 seconds left when Martin stepped out of bounds. This opened up an opportunity for a game-tying or game-winning shot for the Pistons with only 18.7 seconds remaining.

Instead of drawing up a look for Diallo, Dwayne Casey seemingly made up a play for rookie Killian Hayes to drive to the basket. Hayes was able to draw a foul on Bismack Biyombo, but James Borrego decided to make use of his challenge. Borrego lost the challenge, but Hayes only made one of two free throws, forcing the Pistons to play the foul game.

Ball nailed both of his free throws and Hayes missed the game-tying three, securing the win for the Hornets. Diallo was visibly upset that he did not get the final shot, but all is well in Buzz City. With the win, Charlotte moves to 32-33 on the season and put even more space between them and the Pacers, who are in ninth. Their next game will be this Thursday, May 6 vs the Chicago Bulls at 7:00 p.m. (EST) on Bally Sports Southeast.