The Hornets had to face the Washington Wizards for the 2nd time this week. The hope for our Hornets was that they could repeat their success that they had in Washington on their own floor. I must say that the game itself looked like a heavyweight title bout of sorts. The referees were not very nice to us on our own court. There were many fouls called on the Hornets that shouldn’t have been, and many not called that should have been. In the end, however, whether it was 5-on-5 or 5-on-8, the current 7th seed Charlotte Hornets defeated the current 4 seed Washington Wizards, 94 to 87. I suppose I’m a conspiracy theorist, because after beating the Wiz on their home court, it just felt like because the Wiz were a higher seed, the NBA was going to try and right the ship in Charlotte with poor officiating, so that the Wizards could get the win back from us. In “Bobcats” days, we would have folded. That didn’t happen last night. We stood our ground, fought like the true scrappy team we are, and battled our way to a victory. Between DeJuan Blair having Jason Maxiell in a headlock, Blair hitting our only healthy point guard, Brian Williams, in the face with a flying elbow “screen” at midcourt, or even Nene trying to flip Cody Zeller over his body on to the floor via an “arm drag”, the Hornets did not back down. I’m fairly certain that Roberts and Zeller probably both have a black eye today, but it’s just proof positive that this team is starting to gel, they don’t know what it means to quit, and there’s a lot of fight to this unit.
So, what did it take to win last night? Well, for starters, check SportsCenter…that’s right, the Hornets were on SportsCenter. Check out Hendo’s dunk…it’s on there. Aside from the “showy” stuff, we battled hard. 50 rebounds and 15 blocks usually put you in a good position to win games. Gerald Henderson went off for 27 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and an assist. Our Sprite player of the game earned it, and for all those folds out there that don’t like him because his 3-point shot isn’t there, I’m ok with what he does bring. Bruised and battered Brian Roberts gave us 12 points and 5 assists. Michael Kidd- Gilchrist had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Cody gave us 5 rebounds, and assist, a block, and unending effort on defense that caused problems for Washington’s offense. Al Jefferson had a terrible shooting night, but still mustered 8 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and 3 blocks. From our bench, Jason Maxiell set his career record in blocks with 7 to go with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and a steal. Lance Stephenson contributed 11 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds. Marvin was good for 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Gary Neal brought up the rear with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist.
I’m so proud of our Hornets. They’re a full game ahead of the Miami Heat right now, and playing well heading into the all-star break. I actually believe that this second half of this season will be our calling card. It will be that turning point that gets us all excited. I believe we see PJ Hairston start getting meaningful minutes. I believe the same for Noah Vonleh. Cody Zeller started getting more minutes after the all-star break last year, so I’m looking for the same for our rookies this season as well. I will not breathe a word about trades because aside from the frustrations we have had this season with the pieces, the chemistry has actually started forming, and with that chemistry comes comfort, fun, and good basketball. Strap in Hornets fans, the best is yet to come.
Let’s Go Hornets!
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