A Night of Growth and Resilience for the Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets showed significant growth in their recent game against the Chicago Bulls, marking a stark contrast to their earlier matchup. Coach Charles Lee reflected on the team’s performance, particularly highlighting the importance of not allowing easy points. “I will not forget the 80 points in the paint they scored against us back in Charlotte,” he said before the game. “So, I hope we can lighten that up.” His hopes were realized as the Hornets managed to limit the Bulls’ scoring opportunities.

Miles Bridges, who played a pivotal role in the victory, emphasized the team’s progress. “Earlier in the year we wouldn’t have been able to do that. But we are learning as we go. We’ve got guys that want to win, and when you’ve got guys that want to win, it’s easy to compete.” This sentiment underscored the team’s determination and commitment to improvement.

Despite being shorthanded on the interior due to injuries, the Hornets managed to secure a 112-99 win at the United Center. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate were unavailable, and Tidjane Salaün was added to the injured list with a sore left ankle. However, the team avoided another potential injury when LaMelo Ball collided with Jalen Smith during a play. Ball was briefly on the court but did not require additional assistance, while Smith exited the game for a concussion check.

Bridges also made history by surpassing Bismack Biyombo for the fifth-most games played in franchise history (458). This achievement highlights his durability and consistency. Lee praised Bridges for his availability and dedication. “How available he is all the time,” Lee said. “I think it’s been really impressive to work with Miles. I’ve loved everything that he obviously gives to his teammates, but what he gives to the coaching as well. We’re constantly learning from him.”

Bridges’ impact on the court extends beyond scoring. “He takes on wanting to guard the best player on the other team,” Lee noted. “The open-mindedness and willingness to do whatever he can to impact the offensive end is amazing.”

Defensive Improvements and Team Mentality

The Hornets’ defensive improvements have been a key factor in their recent success. Lee pointed out that the team has been doing a better job of defending without fouling. “We’ve done a much better job there. And trying to just make people hit tough shots on us and not allow them to get to the free-throw line.” This strategy has helped the team maintain a strong defensive presence even with a limited roster.

Defensive rebounding has also been a consistent strength for the Hornets. “I think that shows a great mindset, that you want to compete, that you want to be physical,” Lee said. “Because that’s the one thing that’s imperfect. You can’t always say where everybody is going to be or where the ball is going to go, but our guys are focused on finishing possessions.”

The team’s mentality on defense has also evolved. “I just talked to them recently about transition and there’s been a great next-play mentality from everyone,” Lee explained. “We’ve had some phenomenal occupying second-contests is what we like to call them. Instead of letting a guy score a layup, can I do something as the on-ball defender to make him have to Eurostep or slow down or decelerate and then everybody else is coming into the play, and we are getting blocks and it’s a great multiple effort mindset.”

Developing Young Talent

Tidjane Salaün’s progress has also been notable. Lee highlighted how the time spent with the Greensboro Swarm helped Salaün gain confidence. “Those minutes allowed him to find confidence even when things don’t go well,” Lee said. “Now when he comes into games, even when things don’t go well, I see that confidence levels still remaining high.”

Salaün’s ability to maintain composure and confidence has translated to his performance on the court. “Same thing offensively. He would second-guess what he was supposed to do. But I think that those reps, that continued conversation helped give him the confidence he needs,” Lee added.