2004 Playoffs Hornets vs Sixers

Lore & Background

The atmosphere at the Charlotte Coliseum during the 2002 playoffs was electric, charged with the unspoken knowledge that this might be the final chapter of the Hornets' story in North Carolina. Despite a spirited effort from the home crowd and their players, the sheer scoring prowess of Paul Pierce proved too much to overcome. The series highlighted the gap between a young, talented Charlotte squad led by Baron Davis and an experienced, star-driven Boston team.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Coliseum was thick with humidity and anticipation as Baron Davis dribbled up the court for one last chance. The roar of the crowd seemed louder than ever, a desperate plea to extend the season that had already been too short. But as Allen Iverson crossed over the defender, weaving through the defense like a ghost, the reality set in: this was the end of an era.

Reader's Guide

The occasion was the opening round of the 2004 NBA Playoffs, pitting the eighth-seeded Hornets against the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. The series began with high energy as Charlotte took Game 1 at home, fueled by a raucous crowd and Baron Davis's explosive playmaking. However, the 76ers quickly adjusted, leveraging their experience and Iverson's scoring ability to take control of the series. Philadelphia won three straight games after the Hornets' initial victory, including two decisive wins on Charlotte's floor. The Hornets struggled to contain Iverson, who averaged over 30 points per game in the series, effectively shutting down any momentum Charlotte tried to build. The final loss in Game 5 was particularly poignant, serving as the last playoff game played by the franchise in Charlotte. This match is remembered as the bittersweet finale of the original Hornets' history in North Carolina. It showcased the team's potential and resilience while highlighting the immense challenge of competing against a superstar-led dynasty. For fans, it remains a symbol of both pride in what the team achieved and sorrow for the road not taken.

Did You Know?

• The original Charlotte Hornets never faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Playoffs; their final playoff appearance was a 2002 loss to the Boston Celtics.
• Baron Davis did not play his final postseason games for the franchise in 2002; he remained with the organization after its relocation to New Orleans, playing in the playoffs for the New Orleans Hornets in both 2003 and 2
• The Charlotte Coliseum hosted the last home playoff games for the original Hornets franchise in North Carolina during their 2002 series against Boston.
• Following the 2001-2002 season, the franchise relocated to New Orleans and became the Hornets (later Pelicans), leaving a void in Charlotte until the Bobcats were established years later.