📉 The Bottom Line
The Hornets struggled without their key centers, Nick Richards and Mark Williams, putting veteran Taj Gibson in the starting lineup. While Gibson’s presence was helpful early, the lack of a dominant rim protector allowed Minnesota to control the paint, with Nas Reid and Anthony Edwards making big plays.
LaMelo Ball’s foul trouble compounded the Hornets’ problems. His two costly fouls late in the third quarter seemed to deflate any momentum the Hornets tried to build. Meanwhile, Coach Charles Lee’s visible frustration with LaMelo’s mistakes raises questions about their dynamic and how the young point guard will respond to more public critiques from his head coach.
🎯 Key Takeaways
• LaMelo’s Fouls and Frustrations: LaMelo ended with three fouls, but the timing and impact of those fouls were critical. The third-quarter mishaps, including an unnecessary transition take foul, led to a benching by Lee, whose frustration with Ball was plain to see. Charles Lee addressed LaMelo’s defense and decision-making post-game, noting that he’s working on “reaching” his player with patience and high expectations.
• Lack of Depth Hurts Hornets: The Hornets went into this game with a thin frontcourt, relying on Gibson and Tidjane Salaun to hold the middle. This proved problematic against Minnesota’s size, as Reid dropped 25 points off the bench and Edwards capitalized on the Hornets’ defensive gaps. Without reliable big men, Charlotte struggled to keep the Wolves out of the paint and off the 3 point line, getting outmatched in size and physicality.
• Offensive Struggles Continue: With Brandon Miller’s return, the Hornets still couldn’t find their rhythm, particularly from three. Despite Lee’s emphasis on “higher quality threes,” Charlotte was taking hurried shots that led to a pathetic offensive performance. The ball movement was choppy, and playmaking dropped off significantly when LaMelo played with the bench and when he went to the bench.
🗣 My Take
This game exposed some critical issues the Hornets need to address, including decision-making under pressure and defensive lapses. LaMelo’s foul trouble is becoming a trend, and if he wants to keep his team competitive, he has to be more mindful of how he impacts the flow of the game. Charles Lee’s approach may be getting the message across, but time will tell if LaMelo responds positively to the tough love.
There’s still a silver lining—this loss wraps up a particularly tough stretch against playoff-level competition. With games against Detroit and Indiana coming up, the Hornets have a chance to rebound and prove they can be more disciplined and efficient, especially in their shot selection.
👀 What’s Next?
The Hornets return home to face the Pistons, a matchup that feels like a must-win after last night’s performance. Can they adjust their defensive approach and make the most of Miller’s skill set alongside LaMelo? If they don’t find a way to rally and fix these issues, the season could take an early downturn.
