Healthy Hornets Extend Surge; Bitadze Fills In for Magic; Young Logs First Minutes With Wizards
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Charlotte, NC / Boston, MA — Since Jan. 22, the Charlotte Hornets own the NBA’s best record, going 16-3 and winning six straight, each by at least 16 points. Head coach Charles Lee attributed the surge to having a full roster and improved offseason habits.
“It’s been cool to have a healthy roster,” Lee said. “Everyone elevated their work habits, their standards, their togetherness.”
Charlotte’s latest statement came on the second night of a back-to-back when the Hornets routed the 41-21 Boston Celtics by 29 on the road. Center Moussa Diabaté called the victory “a great message to the league … the Hornets are here.”
Above .500 for First Time Since 2021-22
The Hornets, once 4-14, improved to 32-31 in early March. According to The Athletic, it is the franchise’s first time above .500 this late in a season since 2015-16, the club’s most recent playoff year.
Orlando Turns to Bitadze
With Wendell Carter Jr. sidelined by a left ankle injury, Magic reserve Goga Bitadze started Tuesday against Washington. The Georgian center posted nine points, six rebounds, two assists and a block in 21 minutes.
“Goga’s the best,” guard Jalen Suggs said. “He’s in the right spots, sets good screens, rolls with gravity and is always behind you ready to block a shot.” Bitadze had appeared in only one of Orlando’s previous nine games.
Trae Young’s Wizards Debut
Newly acquired guard Trae Young played 19 minutes in his first game with Washington on Thursday, tracking a 17-to-20-minute limit set by head coach Brian Keefe. The four-time All-Star finished with 12 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
“I think our guys are going to enjoy playing with him, and he’s going to enjoy playing with our guys,” Keefe said before tip-off.
Source: Hoops Rumors
