🐝 Hornets Hit Rock Bottom (again somehow)
If you lose twice in a week to the league’s worst team, does that make you the worst team? That’s the existential question after the Hornets dropped another game to the Wizards, 113–110. Despite a late rally, sloppy turnovers and lackluster defense kept Charlotte in the L column.
Brandon Miller returned after missing three games, logging 18 points and a career-high nine assists. LaMelo Ball added 31 but both struggled to shoot. Outside of running lobs for Mark Williams, so much of this offense looks uninspired and out of control, leading to turnovers and bad shots which teams that can run exploit in transition with ease. We’re watching a bad basketball team right now. No excuses or caveats. Lee and company have to find a way to get back to competent basketball in the first half of these games. The front office should be thinking about radical changes to this roster to address fundamental deficiencies in playmaking, shooting and physicality at the rim.
🎯 What Went Wrong
- Sloppy Offense: The Hornets tallied costly turnovers that led to easy transition buckets for Washington.
- Defensive Lapses: A critical rebound slip late in the game highlighted Charlotte’s inability to close.
- Great players have to play great: LaMelo and Miller combined for sub-35% shooting from deep, hampering their offensive flow.
🔍 Silver Linings
- Miles Bridges Steps Up: Bridges delivered a complete performance with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and late-game heroics.
- Charles Lee’s Adjustment: A smart move to switch defensive matchups (Mark Williams and Miles Bridges) signaled deeper issues at the center position but helped the Hornets rally in the fourth quarter.
- No Injuries: In a season riddled with setbacks, a healthy roster remains a bright spot.
🛠️ What Needs FixingThe Hornets’ struggles stem from more than just talent gaps. Their indecisiveness on offense and loss of team principles from earlier in the season are glaring issues. LaMelo Ball’s leadership and re-finding his shooting stroke will be key if this team hopes to turn things around.
📅 What’s Next?
The Hornets face the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by road games against the Bulls and Pistons. Without adjustments, the tailspin may continue.
This team can’t afford to settle for moral victories anymore. It’s time for the Hornets to dig deep, rediscover their identity, and prove they can play functional basketball—even in a losing streak.
