Just three days after a players-only meeting aimed at revitalizing the team’s spirit after a lackluster first half against Houston, the Charlotte Hornets had an opportunity to show possible progress. However, it appears the team needs some additional strategies if they hope to salvage a season that is quickly spiraling out of control.
Despite having their version of the “Core Four” on the court together for just the second time in over a year — and the sixth overall — Charlotte was unable to regain its momentum against the Washington Wizards. The Hornets lost a close 113-110 loss at Capital One Arena on Thursday night, marking their second loss to the Eastern Conference bottom team in a week. Struggling to regain form, the Hornets show no signs of a possible turnaround.
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Since November 23, the Hornets have recorded a sad record of only one victory in 15 games, a difficult period which promises to be even tougher with the match against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the horizon for the 7-year-old team. 23 this Saturday.
Coach Charles Lee acknowledged the tough times ahead, saying, “We’re going through a period of adversity right now. I believe this group is coming together, fighting harder, and learning to persevere. I have confidence total in the fact that we will overcome this and continue to improve every day.”
LaMelo Ball had a commendable performance with 31 points, accompanied by six rebounds and six assists; However, his efforts were overshadowed by the team’s critical errors in the decisive moments. Notably, Josh Green’s missed free throws symbolized Charlotte’s frustrations as they attempted to come back from a crushing 21-point deficit.
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Lee lamented: “The possession that stands out is the one where we’re down one with only 24 seconds remaining. We make a defensive stop, but we fail to secure the rebound. It’s a classic tale of two halftime — giving up back-to-back 34-point quarters in the first half put us in a hole that we struggled to get out of.”
Miles Bridges echoed Lee’s sentiments, remarking: “In the second half, we finally played like the Hornets. Like I said before, we have to start games the right way. If we do that, victory should come naturally.”
Brandon Miller chipped in with 18 points but struggled with his skill, finishing 6 of 21 and missing a crucial three-pointer that could have tied the score in the final minutes. Miller’s return after a three-game absence due to a sprained ankle showed signs of lacking rhythm, especially considering the last time the Hornets were at full strength — Miller, Ball, Bridges and Mark Williams — healthy, that was over a year ago.
They have collectively played just seven games together over the past year, and a period of adjustment seems inevitable. Lee observed, “Offensively, they were starting to find ways to work together. Having Miles initiating plays while being able to pass to LaMelo, or the other way around with Brandon facilitating for Miles, gives us a variety of offensive options.”
On a more positive note, the Hornets came out of the game against the Wizards injury-free and are now ready to have Miller back on the team. Coach Lee highlighted Miller’s unique contributions, saying, “He adds another high quality player on both offense and defense. Defensively, he is one of our best at executing game plans , and he brings a level of physicality that keeps the ball in front of him. His absence in transition and defense was felt, particularly in not capitalizing on opportunities. We missed his shooting skills and his ability to create play. his return all the more welcome.”
