Hello Hornets fans! There’s nothing I enjoy more than reporting to the Charlotte Hornets fans that our beloved bugs are undefeated! That’s right, the Charlotte Hornets are sitting pretty with a 1-0 record, a history making comeback in overtime for a victory, and the Hornets name being back home. So how did our team get their first victory of the season? I knew you’d ask…and sadly, I haven’t seen the game yet. My oldest son had a baseball game last night. I do, however, have the game recorded, and I plan on watching it in its entirety tonight. I will say, though, that there’s no way to avoid seeing that they won and won impressively.
There are always concerns about team chemistry when a season begins. In coaching baseball, I’ve seen good chemistry and bad chemistry. In basketball, we all see good and bad chemistry. For our Bobcats turned Hornets, there was reason for some concern. We signed a new shooting guard which relegated Hendo to the bench, Lance hasn’t been on the court with the guys regularly (hamstring strain in the pre-season), and there’s no experience like in-game experience. I think some lack of chemistry was apparent last night, plus some rust. The positive was that even with the rust and need for chemistry, 5 players were in double figures. Kemba “Purple Rain” Walker (Thank you Tyler Mann) led the way with 26 points. His biggest points came when his 3-pointer sent us into overtime, and when he hit the go ahead bucket at the end of overtime. Purple Rain, Mr. Clutch…whatever you want to call him, Kemba did what Kemba does. He took over. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist put in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Keep an eye on him kids. I’ve been calling it since summer. This is his breakout year, and the NBA better keep that #14 jersey in their minds. Big things are coming from this kid. Marvin Williams gave us 19 points, perhaps giving us a reason to breathe a bit easier after McRoberts didn’t stay with the team. Don’t forget Big Al. He had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Even Cody Zeller put up 11 points. Cody is another player to keep your eyes on as he’s a 7-footer with footwork that can keep him up with power forwards, and confuse centers in this league.
Let me discuss rust and chemistry now. Lance was 3-12 from the floor. If you look at that number, you may be disappointed. Don’t be. Even though he only produced 7 points on terrible shooting, Lance did what he does. Look at the stat sheet. He wasn’t scoring so he grabbed 13 rebounds and 8 assists. Have patience Hornets fans. Lance will always contribute somewhere. The points will come when they need to come.
My biggest concern is with Gerald Henderson. In 8 minutes he was 0-2 with 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 foul. Rotations at the wing were kept at a minimum, and you can’t exactly smile at Gary Neal’s 2-11 shooting for 6 points, but again, new roles for players are just that; new roles. The guys will get there. We just have to be patient.
With patience being repeated, SHAME ON THE BOOING FANS last night. Down 24 points in the 3rd and you’re booing our team? Not cool. The original Hornets were blown out by 30+ points on their inaugural game, and received a standing ovation. I’ve been rooting for this organization from the beginning, and by the beginning, I mean 1988 through now. Even in the 7-win season, I never booed the team. What was the result of all the booing last night? A historical comeback from 24 points down to win in overtime, is what all of you got to see. Am I glad I have the game recorded? Yes I am. It’s on DVD, and I’ll watch it a million times over. Part of being a true fan of this organization and team is to always have undying support. Tyler Mann and the SuperFans/Cats Crazies/SWARM can attest to that. I participated with them, and they know what it’s all about. The goal was to always instill that never-ending support for the home team. I think we always did that and I hope we get the chance to do it again. I just hope the fans understand how much it means to the players on our home court when they hear the deafening buzz of the fans, cheering them on. The fans are the 6th man, and it is the 6th man’s job to help boost the team over the top. Let’s not boo our bees! Lift them up and embrace them. Support them. Love them like family. I always have, and I always will.
Let’s celebrate the Hornets and their return. This team is going to make a big impact this season, and I am proud to say that I’ve never left their side.
Let’s go Hornets!
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