It came out of nowhere and proved to be the difference
In a dramatic turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets managed to seize control over the Los Angeles Lakers following the ejection of Austin Reaves. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the game when Reaves got into a heated argument with the referee over a no-call, resulting in his ejection from the match.
The ejection proved to be a pivotal moment, as the Hornets capitalized on the opportunity to stage a comeback. Trailing by eight points at the time of Reaves’ ejection, the Hornets went on a stunning 12-1 run to end the third quarter, taking a 69-66 lead into the fourth quarter.
With momentum on their side, the Hornets continued to dominate the final quarter. Led by standout performances from LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward, the team managed to hold off the Lakers and secure a 100-97 victory. Ball, who finished with 26 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, was instrumental in the Hornets’ resurgence, while Hayward contributed with 18 points and crucial defensive plays.
Austin Reaves just got EJECTED 😳 pic.twitter.com/1fhgpmhTrp
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 20, 2025
Defensive problems for sure in LA
The Lakers struggled to find their rhythm after Reaves’ departure. Despite a valiant effort from Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the team was unable to regain control of the game. Reaves’ ejection not only impacted the Lakers’ performance but also sparked controversy among fans and analysts.
Many questioned the referee’s decision, arguing that the no-call and subsequent ejection were harsh and unwarranted. The incident has reignited discussions about the consistency of officiating in the NBA and its impact on game outcomes.
As the Lakers regroup and look to bounce back from this setback, the Hornets will savor their hard-fought victory. The win not only boosts their playoff aspirations but also serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments.
The Lakers’ next game will be closely watched as they attempt to recover from this unexpected loss and regain their footing in the competitive Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Hornets will aim to build on their momentum and continue their push for a playoff spot.