Hornets gain confidence as play-in quest gathers pace
hornets-gain-confidence-as-play-in-quest-gathers-pace
The Charlotte Hornets, still outside the Eastern Conference play-in positions, are showing renewed fight after a 117-107 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.
The win pushed Charlotte to 10-20 and capped a 6-6 stretch over the past 12 games, steadying a season that appeared to be slipping away earlier in the month. The Hornets remain two games behind Milwaukee and 4.5 games back of Chicago for the final play-in berth.
Defense driving resurgence
Head coach Charles Lee cited defensive intensity as the catalyst for the turnaround. “I feel like our defense continues to get better. The games that we win, our defensive rating is usually in a really good spot,” Lee told reporters, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Lee also praised improved ball movement, noting the team’s offense has flowed more smoothly since a recent matchup in Brooklyn. “Ever since the game at Brooklyn, we’ve done a much better job of trusting the pass. Our pace has been better. Guys are getting out of screens. Our execution in the half court and early offense has been really good.”
Sexton returns with spark
Tuesday’s game marked the return of guard Collin Sexton, who missed nearly three weeks with a left quadriceps strain. Coming off the bench, Sexton scored 12 points in 16 minutes and provided what Lee called an “immediate jolt.”
“He just never stops,” Lee said. “Defensively and offensively, he’s always thinking about how he can be impactful every possession. I loved the boost he gave us, especially from a competitiveness standpoint.”
With injuries easing and defensive focus sharpening, the Hornets believe they can close the gap in the coming weeks and force their way into the play-in conversation.
Source: Hoops Wire
