Well, it was definitely going to be a different night when Vernon Carey Jr. made his first NBA start of his career. The Charlotte Hornets tipped off in Brooklyn tonight looking and moving like a renewed team. Not only did Vernon Carey Jr. get the start, he was heavily involved early, contributing to multiple plays that helped the Hornets score 35 in the first quarter against the Nets. For context, the Hornets scored 11 points in the first quarter when they played the Nets just fifteen days ago. What a difference two weeks can make.
Vernon was the stand-out surprise at the beginning of the game, but there were plenty surprise actives on each roster.