Hornets vs. Suns Live: Charlotte Leads Phoenix 45-43 in Tight Second Quarter Battle
The Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns are locked in a neck-and-neck battle right now at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Charlotte leads 45-43 with 6:06 left in the second quarter in what has been a fast-paced, wide-open shootout through the opening period and a half.
Live Score: Hornets 45, Suns 43 — Second Quarter
Charlotte jumped out to a 30-28 lead after a high-scoring first quarter and has held a slim advantage into the second. The Hornets' biggest lead of the night has been 8 points. Phoenix has clawed back and trails by just two, with plenty of basketball remaining.
Both teams are shooting the ball efficiently. The Suns are connecting on 51.7% from the field including 8-of-18 from three-point range — a blistering 44.4% clip. Charlotte is at 45.7% from the field with 7-of-21 from deep.
Charlotte Hornets Leaders — Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball Fueling the Lead
LaMelo Ball is doing LaMelo things with 10 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. Miles Bridges is attacking the paint relentlessly, with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting while pulling in 4 rebounds. Rookie Kon Knueppel has been the surprise of the first half with 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting, adding 2 assists in a confident performance. Brandon Miller chips in 8 points.
Charlotte is outrebounding Phoenix 22 to 18 and has capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 6 second-chance points to Phoenix's 3.
Phoenix Suns Leaders — Jalen Green Carrying the Load
Jalen Green is the engine for Phoenix with a team-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, draining 4-of-7 from three-point range. Devin Booker has 8 points but has drawn 4 fouls and is spending time on the bench to stay out of foul trouble. Khaman Maluach adds 2 points, 3 rebounds, and a block in a steady showing at center.
Phoenix has 4 turnovers in the first half, a number they will need to clean up to pull ahead.
Where to Watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns
The game airs on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for Charlotte-market viewers and FanDuel Sports Network Arizona for Phoenix-market viewers. For out-of-market fans, the game is streaming on NBA League Pass. Tip-off was at 9 p.m. ET from Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Season Context — Both Teams Playing for Position
The Phoenix Suns enter tonight sitting outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference, making every remaining regular-season game critical for their Play-In hopes. The Charlotte Hornets are also on the bubble in the East, and a road win in Phoenix tonight would be a significant statement for a young Charlotte roster led by LaMelo Ball.
