And so having those mature conversations with him have been a joy.” Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives to the basket and shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the first half at Target Center. Jesse Johnson USA ...

The writing was on the wall when, to start the fourth quarter of the Charlotte Hornets' (2-5) game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-3) in Minneapolis Monday night (Nov. 4), the score had reached 91-71 in favor of the Wolves.

The Charlotte Hornets could never find their rhythm against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards and company jumped out to a double digit lead in the second quarter and held LaMelo Ball's Hornets at a stiff arm's length from there. Here are a couple of initial takeaways from the Hornets third straight losing effort.