The San Antonio Spurs opened the 2022-23 season with a 129-102 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. It marks the first loss in a season where player development during a rebuild is the priority.
Despite not having LaMelo Ball or Miles Bridges available, the Hornets poured it on the Spurs early and didn't necessarily stop. Charlotte scored a game-high 38 points in the opening period and went on to score 30 points in each quarter of the game — achieving a 35-point lead at one point.
"You start with the fact we got thumped.