🏀 Biggest Story: Hornets Bench Delivers Huge Night in Narrow Win Over Raptors
Key stat: The Charlotte Hornets scored a staggering 72 points off the bench, powering their way to a thrilling 138-133 win against the Toronto Raptors.
Why it matters: Our depth saved us in a game where defensive issues nearly cost the win. Tre Mann’s 27 points, along with big contributions from Grant Williams and Cody Martin, led the charge and provided critical scoring and momentum shifts that allowed Charlotte to hold off a late Toronto surge.
Tre Mann is on Fire 🔥
One of the biggest revelations this season has been Tre Mann. His breakout performance and growing confidence on both ends of the court make him a fan favorite.
• Big Plays, Big Potential: Mann’s scoring is essential for this team. Coach Charles Lee has come to rely on him for his ability to shoot, draw fouls, and control tempo. It’s hard to imagine Charlotte parting ways with a player who’s becoming so impactful.
• My Take: Tre Mann has shown he’s more than just a bench scorer; he’s giving the Hornets the kind of depth we’ve long been missing. But I worry the front office might be tempted to trade him, which would be a big mistake.
LaMelo’s Highlights & Lowlights 🌟
LaMelo Ball’s three-point spree in the second quarter brought the energy Spectrum Center loves. But it also brought a reminder of the risks with his style of play.
• Flashing Talent: LaMelo’s ability to hit difficult shots can electrify the crowd and turn the tide of a game. But turnovers and questionable shot selection could become an issue as defenses double-team him and pressure him into mistakes.
• My Take: While LaMelo’s talent is undeniable, I see a need for balance in his playmaking. Six turnovers in one game is just too high for a lead guard, especially in close games against tougher teams.
Grant Williams Holds Down the Fort 🏰
When the Hornets’ lead slipped, Grant Williams stepped up with defensive stops and timely scoring. His maturity is helping stabilize an inconsistent rotation, and Coach Lee continues to rely on him during critical moments.
• Veteran Impact: Grant’s presence is invaluable to the young lineup, acting as a reliable anchor. His ability to calm things down when the game gets messy has been a game-changer.
• My Take: Williams is the “adult in the room” this team needs. His role will be crucial if the Hornets aim to keep winning in the face of injuries and defensive lapses.
The Defense (Still) Needs Serious Work 🛡️
Charlotte’s defense remains a pressing concern, especially on transition plays. We allowed Toronto to erase leads multiple times, and I’m starting to question whether Charles Lee’s timeout strategy of “let them work through it” is the right approach.
• Transition Woes: Defensive breakdowns in the second quarter allowed Toronto back into the game. I think Charles Lee may need to be quicker on the timeout trigger, especially when runs get out of hand.
• My Take: Defense and focus are the two things that will keep this team competitive. We have a high-octane offense, but sloppy defense could lead to trouble against more complete teams.
