The New Orleans Pelicans orchestrated a stunning 18-point comeback on Saturday, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 95-91 in Summer League action. Hunter Dickinson led all scorers with 21 points, while Kobe Bufkin delivered an all-around performance, contributing 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block. The dramatic turnaround saw the Pelicans overcome a significant halftime deficit and seize their first lead with under a minute remaining.
Charlotte appeared to be in complete control through the first half, shooting a blistering 63.3 percent from the field and holding a 56-45 advantage at the break. However, the script flipped dramatically in the second half. The Pelicans, who shot just 39 percent in the first two quarters, dominated the fourth, outscoring the Hornets 30-15. This late surge was fueled by an incredible 15-2 run in the final four minutes, during which New Orleans shot 64.3 percent from the field, including a scorching 6-for-7 in the paint. The Hornets, conversely, crumbled under pressure, converting just 4-for-18 (22.2 percent) of their field goal attempts in the final frame.
Beyond the raw scoring, the Pelicans' victory was a testament to their improved defensive intensity and opportunistic play in the second half. Charlotte's struggles with ball security were glaring, committing 22 turnovers compared to New Orleans' seven. This disparity directly translated into a massive 32-7 advantage in points off turnovers for the Pelicans, a critical factor in erasing such a large deficit. Dickinson's interior presence and Bufkin's relentless activity on both ends of the floor provided the necessary spark to disrupt Charlotte's rhythm and ignite the comeback.
The ability to claw back from an 18-point hole, even in Summer League, speaks to a certain level of resilience and competitive fire within this Pelicans contingent. While the stakes are low, the manner of this victory could offer valuable lessons for some of the younger players about staying engaged and executing when momentum shifts. For the Hornets, the collapse highlights a need for greater composure and decision-making in crunch time, particularly when facing increased defensive pressure. Liam McNeeley's 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists, along with contributions from Tidjane Salaün, Christian Anderson, and Michael Ajayi, were ultimately overshadowed by the team's late-game struggles.
Both teams will be back on the court Sunday, continuing their Summer League campaigns. The Pelicans, now 1-1, will face the Phoenix Suns, while the Hornets, also 1-1, are set to take on the Boston Celtics. These upcoming matchups will provide another opportunity for these young prospects to showcase their development and for their respective coaching staffs to further evaluate their potential contributions.
