Tidjane Salaün started last night for the Hornets and the Frenchman was even entitled to a lot of playing time (37 minutes) for ultimately 13 points (5/13 shooting including 3/8 from distance) and 8 rebounds.
Clearly, the rookie has a well-defined role, having to accompany LaMelo Ball on quick plays, and by drawing from afar on placed plays. Enough to alternate the good sequences, and the phases where he is not yet completely comfortable.
In front, Pacôme Dadietrecovering from a finger problem, was entitled to minutes, and he made them profitable!
In the footsteps of Mikal Bridges
The other French rookie in the game especially had a superb second quarter, taking advantage of a missed interception from Tidjane Salaün and the clearing work of Ariel Hukporti to go up for a baseline dunk.
Then, he chained 3-pointers in the corner, to score 16 points in the second quarter…
This will be his total at the end of the match, at 6/11 shooting including 3/6 from distance, to go with 5 rebounds. A successful first, its “drive & kick” and subsequent trips having provided solutions to its partners.
After the match, the Frenchman explained that he was trying to model his game on that of his teammate, Mikal Bridges. “Because we play the same position and the way he affects a match, it’s something I can do at this stage of my career. Really, I admire him a lot” he explained like this.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
