Juan Carlos Blanco, Rotowire
LAS VEGAS — The Charlotte Hornets, sporting a team heavy on NBA experience, turned their play up a notch over the final 10 minutes to secure a 93-85 victory over the Golden State Warriors in a Las Vegas Summer League matchup at Cox Pavilion on Friday evening.
A fierce first half saw both teams battling intensely, with the Warriors (0-1) barely leading 48-47. As the game progressed into the third quarter, both teams tightened their defense, maintaining a close contest. However, the Hornets (1-0) managed to pull ahead during the final period. Yet, it wasn’t until the Warriors started the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run that Charlotte really started to pick up the pace.
Dwayne Bacon topped the score chart for the Hornets with 25 points, along with three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. He was followed by Devonte’ Graham who scored 21 points and also contributed with four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Miles Bridges contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
All five starting players of The Warriors scored in double figures, led by Jordan Poole. The 2019 first-round pick tallied 15 points, two assists, one rebound, two steals, and one block. Alen Smailagic added 13 points and seven rebounds. Jacob Evans and second-round pick Eric Paschall each scored 12 points, with Evans assisting six times and Paschall grabbing five rebounds. Davon Reed contributed 11 points.
On Saturday night, the Warriors will resume play against the Toronto Raptors, while the Hornets are set to compete against the Spurs on Sunday afternoon.
