The Charlotte Hornets got the win last night against the Orlando Magic 120-111 as they move to 4-1 on the season.
You couldn’t really ask for a better start through 5 games. I certainly didn’t have them 5-0.
Defensively they come and go; the consistency on that end has to get better. We know the about the lack of size and because they compensate for that, they’re going to give up a lot of 3’s. But the switching, the growth, and the versatility is much more improved.
Speaking of improved, Miles Bridges is the leader in the clubhouse for winning the NBA MIP. He scored 30 points for the 3rd time in 4 games, the other being a 25 point outing, and he was the guy they relied on most last night.
Borrego talked about his improvement after the game….(audio)
They needed his production in a game where LaMelo didn’t have it. Melo shot 3 of 14 from the field and only hit 1 three pointer. He took some ill-advised shots and committed silly fouls early which has been a real problem so far.
Along with Miles stepping up, Jalen McDaniels hit big time shots that kept them in the game as well. McDaniels had 16 points shooting 4 of 5 from 3 to help maintain some shot making and in a surprising twist, the bench has been the separator in these games.
You can’t say enough about what Ish Smith has done and other guys are stepping up in key moments. It’s what Charlotte has to see when Terry Rozier and PJ Washington are down.
The Hornets were probably lucky they were playing the Magic last night, but thanks to guys like Miles, Gordon, and the bench, they find a way to get it done.
