The Charlotte Hornets had their four-game winning streak snapped Friday night – losing to the Orlando Magic at home in a game that caused some to question the maturity of the team. LaMelo Ball even said that they overlooked their opponent. Coming off a bad loss like that the Hornets needed a win, and they did it off a career night from Miles Bridges in Madison Square Garden. Charlotte beat the Knicks 97-87 and moved to 24-20 on the season.
Let’s recap what happened for the Hornets to secure a big win on the road.
Sky Miles Soars Under the Big Lights.
Miles Bridges had the best game of his career when the Hornets needed him the most. With LaMelo Ball out with a non-covid illness and Kelly Oubre in health and safety protocols, the Hornets needed a special performance to pull off this win and they got it from Miles. Bridges went to work in the first quarter with 22 points in period and 28 points in the first half. He shot 7-8 in the first quarter alone and finished the game with 38 points and 12 rebounds. Miles Bridges should be a top-two candidate for Most Improved Player and his performance against the Knicks will help his cause.
Defense:
After giving up 116 points to the Orlando Magic at home, Charlotte needed a much better effort defensively against the Knicks. The Hornets admitted that the effort and focus were not there in the loss Friday, but they were locked in today on the defensive end. Charlotte held the Knicks to only 87 total points and 40% shooting. They also forced 15 New York turnovers. Julius Randle was only 6-16 from the floor and RJ Barrett struggled, shooting 7-18. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when the Hornets defend at even an average level they are a very dangerous team.
Scary Terry’s Solid Performance:
While Miles Bridges will get the headlines, Terry Rozier had a very good performance after a tough outing against the Magic. Terry shot 26% versus the Magic, and down LaMelo Ball and Kelly Oubre the Hornets couldn’t afford another game like that against the Knicks. Rozier was more efficient against New York – scoring 22 points on 44% from the floor and chipping in seven assists and six rebounds, providing a good complementary effort opposite of Miles when the Hornets were shorthanded.
Charlotte will take on the Boston Celtics Wednesday. Boston has won five out of their last six games. Charlotte should be looking for some payback as the Celtics beat them in overtime earlier this season off the back of Jayson Tatum, who scored 40 points that night.