The Charlotte Hornets entered this past week staring down a two-game home series vs the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. With two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo being a force in the paint, it was going to be a tough order for the Hornets to win both games, but that’s exactly what the Hornets pulled off. Despite Giannis scoring 43 points and grabbing 12 rebounds this past Saturday, the Hornets were able to beat the Bucks 114-106. They followed up that performance with a 103-99 win Monday night. Halfway through the season the Hornets are sitting at 22-19. That’s quite a feat considering they’ve played one of the hardest schedules in the NBA before the calendar changed to 2022 – with 24 of their first 41 games on the road. The Hornets also had a covid outbreak that affected the team in early December. These last two wins against the Bucks should have Charlotte fans excited about the 2nd half of the season.
Winning Ugly:
Neither game vs the Bucks was pretty. In the first game the Hornets only shot 44% from the floor, 33% from three and 57% at the foul line. In the 2nd game the Hornets shot the ball even worse, finishing with 39% from the floor and 29% from three. Despite those shooting splits the Hornets were able to find a way to win, which is sign of growth for this young squad. Timely baskets and defense were able to push the Hornets to victory, and speaking of defense………
Better Defense:
I mentioned how the Hornets shot the ball, but the Bucks weren’t better offensively. Charlotte held the Bucks to 38% shooting in their first matchup and forced 15 Milwaukee turnovers. In the rematch Charlotte forced 20 Milwaukee turnovers. Milwaukee only shot 30% from the floor and 32% from behind the arc in both games. Charlotte has been near the bottom of the NBA in points allowed and defensive efficiency. When the Hornets defend at just an average level it makes them a much better team.
Terry Closes the First Night. LaMelo Closes the Second Night:
This Hornets team has multiple players they can go to for a basket when the game is on the line. Saturday night it was Terry Rozier who hit the dagger three. Terry was 6-10 from behind the arc and scored 28 points in the first matchup. Rozier would also score 27 points in the second matchup, but it was LaMelo Ball who was the catalyst in the rubber match. LaMelo scored 16 of his 23 points after halftime – giving the Hornets a lead before the Bucks would rally to tie the game late. LaMelo hit a tough floater with 15 seconds left that would give the Hornets the lead, then Giannis threw the ball away the next possession. Finding ways to win close games is a step in the right direction for this Hornets team
Comfortable at Home:
I know I’ve stated how the Hornets have played most of their games on the road so far, but the Hornets are 12-5 at home and will play 24 of their last 41 games at home. Charlotte has a nice opportunity to put together a great second half of the season. The Hornets also won’t have to travel to the west coast the rest of the season. At their current pace Charlotte would be 44-38 at the end of the regular season, but I believe they have an opportunity to win more than that especially with a friendlier schedule to finish the season.
Charlotte had to face Giannis in back-to-back games and will take on Joel Embiid Wednesday in Philadelphia before returning home for a showdown against the Orlando Magic Friday.