The Charlotte Hornets faced another tough loss, marking their 37th of the season, amidst significant roster challenges. Nine key players, including LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, were unavailable for the showdown against Detroit. The Pistons, exploiting their advantage, quickly surged to a 39-15 first-quarter lead, driven by Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley’s hot starts. Despite these obstacles, Charlotte fought back, particularly thanks to Seth Curry, who scored 26 points, showcasing his shooting prowess.

In a disappointing twist, Moussa Diabate suffered an eye injury, further depleting the Hornets’ lineup. Nevertheless, the team managed to show resilience, narrowing the score after trailing by as much as 30 points. Elfrid Payton made his presence felt upon his debut for Charlotte, helping fuel a small comeback. Ultimately, the Hornets couldn’t overcome the deficit but demonstrated a fighting spirit under coach Charles Lee.