In helping Charlotte split the first two games of its longest homestand of the season, the newly acquired guard is proving his worth.

Charlotte, which has now won five of its past eight games, dominated against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

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He was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, and Charlotte acquired him in a draft-night trade.

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Charlotte receives second-round draft picks from the Denver Nuggets in 2026 and 2031, in addition to a second-round draft pick from Phoenix in 2031. The Hornets send a 2025 second-round draft pick, the least favorable between Denver and the Philadelphia 76ers, to the Suns.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Phoenix Suns acquired center Nick Richards and a second-round pick in 2025 from the Charlotte Hornets for guard Josh Okogie ... by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second ...

The Hornets ran their fourth quarter lead to a whopping 33 points, a season high, in a game that was never in doubt. When Nick Smith Jr. cashed a three-pointer to extend Charlotte's lead to 33, he became the ninth Hornet player to hit a three on the evening, tying a team record.

Tonight has turned into an Yves Missi highlight compilation. The Baylor big man is unphased by the matchup with 7’4” Zach Edey. On one play he fakes him out before finishing off the dribble. Moments before that he dunked all over Edey in what may be the best slam of the night.

Ty Jerome scored a career-high 33 points on 8-of-8 3-point shooting for Cleveland, which has lost back-to-back games for just the second time this season. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 37 points, while Darius Garland pitched in with 26 points and seven assists.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paul George scored 30 points, Tyrese Maxey had 29 and the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 132-129 on Friday night to end a seven-game losing streak. Cleveland lost its second straight to drop into a tie for the NBA lead with Oklahoma City at 36-8. Philadelphia is 16-27.