The Charlotte Hornets entered Wednesday’s contest with the Chicago Bulls on a five game losing streak, and on the outside of the playoff picture. The Hornets were able to take advantage of a struggling Chicago squad to get back on the winning track behind 18 points and 12 rebounds from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, MKG shut Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell down on the defensive end; Dunleavy went scoreless in 19 minutes, and Snell notched 10 points in 28 minutes.
Charlotte got back on the winning track by resurfacing the defense that has carried this team all season, though the offensive effort wasn’t too shabby either, as they shot 46.4% from the field as a unit. The three-point shooting was absent at four of 14, as it has been for much of the season, but that didn’t seem to matter against a Bulls squad that has been reeling of late, and had received the news last night that Derrick Rose has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will miss the remainder of the season. Aaron Brooks got the call at point guard tonight for Chicago, and posted 12 points and four assists. Chicago’s leading scorer was Pau Gasol, who had 25 points on 11 of 20 shooting. Despite Pau’s efforts, the Bulls were stagnant offensively, as they continued to slump on both sides of the ball.
Cody Zeller grabbed nine rebounds, and, as always, contributed beyond the stat sheet as well. Al Jefferson scored 16 points and seemed to take over in the fourth quarter, while newcomer Mo Williams had another strong performance with 17 points and five assists.
The Hornets were hitting on all cylinders tonight, and they hope that this will once again bring them back into the picture as they try to dig out of yet another hole.
Charlotte takes the floor next on Friday, February 27, as they continue their road trip in Boston at 7:30. Look for the defense to key on newly acquired Celtic Isaiah Thomas as the Celtics continue to try to claw their way back into the playoff hunt.
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