Editor’s Note: The following is a notebook full of random thoughts and game observations. Please excuse any typos, errors or extraneous references to the Bobcats and report them in the comments. Thank you.
FINAL
Charlotte Hornets 131 (28-31) - Chicago Bulls 99 (24-35)
THE BOXSCORE
WHY DID THEY WIN? (AND OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES)
The Hornets…are…BACK: A healthy and whole Hornets team won their 8th straight road game (franchise record) in dominant fashion against the Chicago Bulls. The Hornets recovered from a sloppy offensive and weak defensive 1st half to win the 3rd quarter 42-16. It’s the 2nd straight game they put up a 40+ point 3rd quarter. The Hornets scored 15 points off of turnovers and shot 8/15 from 3. They picked up their pace, physicality and imposed their will on the Bulls.
Brandon Miller had one of the shakiest 1st halves, committing 5 turnovers but he shook it off at half and led th Hornets with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists in the 3Q
The Hornets can get away with these first halves against the Wizards, Bulls and maybe against the Pacers but they will play a good team soon enough. If they continue to play turnover-filled offense and soft defense to start games they’ll get their face smashed.
Coby White’s Debut: White made his debut against his old team and showcased many of the reasons the Hornets coveted him for years. He managed to log 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists and 2 stocks in only 15 minutes of play. He made two drive and kick reads to the corner for Grant Williams triples and worked a two man game to open up space for LaMelo Ball. His size and handle are noticeable upgrades and he’s going to help this team improve their offense in the midrange.
Konsistency: Kon continues to be the most consistent and most poised Hornets scorer. He finished with 21 points on 7/12 shooting and 3 made threes. Oh and he also became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 200 3PM. You really can’t understate how important it is for a team to know they can bank 18-21 points on any given night. And on the occasions he doesn’t get there he’s able to impact the game with his hustle and ball movement.
The Moose is Loose Again: Moussa Diabate returns after missing 4 games for the Pistons fight. Moussa was the gamescore leader despite only scoring 9 points. His 6 stocks (3 stls, 3 blocks) along with his effort on the boards helped keep the Hornets afloat in the 1st half to allow that 3rd quarter to happen. I think it says a lot that Moose is your gamescore leader on a night when they score 131 points and made 25 3 pointers. His effort, edge and intensity are what the Hornets are actually about.
Miles added 16 points and 7 rebounds. Perfect 4th option numbers.
The Hornets main starting lineup is now 16-2 on the year
Standings Check: The Hornets are in 10th place in the East. They are 0.5 games back of Atlanta who beat the Wizards tonight and 2.5 games back of Miami who lost tonight.
NEWS AND NOTES
Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate return from a 4 game suspension that dates back to a fight that occurred during a game against the Pistons before the All-Star break
This was the debut game for Coby White who was traded to the Hornets from the Bulls in exchange for Collin Sexton and two second round picks.
This was ALSO the first game against former-Hornet Collin Sexton.
Coby White insisted this wasn’t planned and that they targeted this week or next for a debut and it just worked out this way
In a practice interview before the game Coby sounded level-headed and thoughtful about the situation. He understood it was business, felt sad about leaving the relationships that formed, felt the Bulls did it in the best way they could and didn’t seem to have hard feelings.
Coby also said he never asked Miles Bridges for 0 (smart) and chose 3 because it’s the closest to 0 that was available
The Hornets are in the midst of a 3 game road trip. They beat the Wizards on Sunday and play the Pacers on Thursday.
Nick Richards playing against his old team as well. He was traded at the deadline.
Kon revealed postgame that the Hornets call Josh Green “J-Gizzle.”
