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Eric WoodyardESPN
CHARLOTTE — There were no first game jitters for former Kentucky star PJ Washington during his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets.
The 12th overall pick made a huge splash on Wednesday against Chicago with seven 3-pointers in his career debut, the most in the NBA’s 3-point era since 1979-80, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. He netted five at halftime.
Washington’s 27 points also marked a Hornets record for a career debut. His career high at Kentucky was 29 points on Dec. 8. 2018, against Seton Hall
Washington went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc in the first half. He never made more than five treys in a game at Kentucky.
Jake Layman (2016) and Donyell Marshall (1994) each made five 3-point field goals in their career debut. Washington hit his sixth 3 in the third quarter to take sole possession of the record, before adding to it in the fourth.
Washington’s seven treys tied the most in a season opener in NBA history.