Hawks rout Hornets 128-81 for the largest win in franchise history as Charlotte is booed at home

The Atlanta Hawks spoiled the Charlotte Hornets’ home opener in record fashion. Jalen Johnson had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, and Atlanta beat Charlotte 128-81 on Friday night, the largest margin of victory in Hawks franchise history.

The 47-point win topped the previous franchise mark of 46, set in a 126-80 win over Sacramento on Nov. 15, 2017, according to the Associated Press. Atlanta improved to 2-0; Charlotte fell to 1-1.

A rough home opener for Charlotte

The game was the Hornets’ first at home since they traded star point guard LaMelo Ball, a move the AP described as widely unpopular in Charlotte. The night did little to win fans back.

Atlanta forced 14 first-half turnovers, turning them into 15 points on runouts, and built a 25-point lead before halftime. The Hornets were booed loudly as they left the floor at the break by a sellout crowd of 19,524 that, per the AP, expected more from a team that won 44 games last season. The boos grew louder in the third quarter as the Hawks pulled away, and the lead reached 49 in the fourth.

Hawks vs. Hornets box score leaders

Box score figures are from NBA.com. All five Atlanta starters scored in double figures.

How did Sion James play?

Sion James started for Charlotte at forward. In 23 minutes he scored three points on 1-of-7 shooting (1-of-6 from 3-point range), with two rebounds, five assists, one turnover and four fouls, according to the NBA.com box score.

Brandon Miller’s slump

Brandon Miller had a second straight poor shooting night since signing what the AP called a franchise-record five-year, $209 million extension earlier this week. He finished with six points and went 1-of-11 from 3-point range, and he is shooting 16% (4-of-25) from deep on the season.

Injuries

Charlotte played its second straight game without Kon Knueppel (hamstring), last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year runner-up, starting point guard Coby White (calf) and reserve forward Grant Williams (hamstring). Coach Charles Lee said before the game that he had no timetable for their return but that all three were making good progress, per the AP.

By the numbers

• 37-21: Atlanta’s edge in assists.
• 25: Charlotte turnovers.
• 18-of-45: Atlanta’s 3-point shooting (40%), compared with Charlotte’s 11-of-51.
• 50.5%: Atlanta’s field-goal percentage; Charlotte shot 34.5%.

What’s next

Both teams play again Saturday night. The Hawks host the Houston Rockets, and the Hornets host the Miami Heat in a rematch of last season’s play-in tournament game.

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