Hornets defeated the Pacers last night, which was greatly needed before the all-start break. The Pacers, a team ahead of us in the Eastern Conference standings, was definitely a target we needed to take down in order to start building momentum for the second half of the season. What we didn’t need was Michael Kidd-Gilchrist dislocating the shoulder that was just repaired. At the point of me writing this quick game recap, I still have not found any results of his MRI. Prayers are that it is a dislocation with no ligament damage. That would mean he misses a few weeks, and we get him back when we originally thought we would have him back. If there is ligament damage and surgery is required, that means no MKG for the rest of the season. Since his return, the Hornets have had a 5-2 record and he just brings so much to the team when he’s on the court. His presence means the world to this team.
So I said we won last night. Never have I been so sad after a victory. For a game where we were 51% from the floor, 42% from 3-point land, and we outrebounded the other team 45-39, I should have been much happier with a 117-95 win. Kemba led all scorers with 25 points. Zeller and Batum also chipped in 11 apiece as starters. Bench-Force-Won was back in full force last night, contributing 54 total points to the game. Jeremy Lamb led the force with 16 points, followed by 13 from Jeremy Lin, Frank Kaminsky with 10, Spencer Hawes with 6, Brian Roberts with 4 and Troy Daniels and Tyler Hansbrough with 2 apiece. Only PJ Hairston did not score in this game.
What can I say about this game? We controlled it pretty much wire-to-wire. This strong finish right at the all-star break is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully the guys can get some rest, and the coaching staff can come up with something to elevate our team through the second half of the season so that we can make a BIG mark on the playoffs this year. With MKG’s injury, if it is a short term absence, I think we can move forward fairly well until he returns, however, if he requires surgery and we are without him for the rest of the season, I have to start wondering if we will have to make a trade before the deadline to stand a chance in the playoffs. This opens a whole can of worms as to what we would need to pick up. I would personally say that we should pursue a SG and we move Batum to SG, but ultimately, starting Lin and Kemba together and sliding Batum to SF, I think we could STILL be OK with no trade.
The other big question mark for the season is Big Al’s return and what production he can give. He’s in a contract year, and over the past couple seasons, he’s not shown much to boost his value. It may be “make or break” for him in the second half of the season. I would love nothing more for him to return to his form in the first season he was here, and wow the eastern conference deep into the playoffs. I just don’t know if he still has it in him.
For now, prayers for MKG and for no ligament damage in his shoulder. I’d also suggest acupuncture.
And for one, I’m not closing with my same battle cry.
Let’s REST AND HEAL Hornets!
#KeepSwarming
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