The Charlotte Hornets have hit a stride not too long ago and that is not one thing the Philadelphia 76ers can say.
The groups will meet Monday evening in Charlotte after the Hornets gained two video games in a row, whereas exhibiting their enchancment for the reason that begin of the brand new 12 months.
“The offensive price has been actually good as a result of we have been sharing the ball,” Hornets coach Charles Lee mentioned. “I believe all 5 guys are dedicated to rebounding. … The dedication to one another, there have been some linked defensive possessions.”
Each groups performed Saturday afternoon with totally different outcomes.
The Hornets earned a 119-115 victory over the Washington Wizards, whereas the 76ers fell 112-109 at dwelling to the New York Knicks regardless of Joel Embiid’s 38-point, 11-rebound output.
Philadelphia has misplaced 4 of its final six video games, with one of many victories requiring time beyond regulation in opposition to Houston.
“We acquired to play sooner,” Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey mentioned, referring to tough patches in the course of the loss to the Knicks. “Tried to ease into it, and (we) cannot do this.”
The Knicks led by as many as 17 factors within the fourth quarter earlier than the 76ers put collectively a rally that fell quick as Maxey missed a possible game-tying 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds remaining.
The Hornets will probably be challenged to deal with Embiid’s inside presence alongside together with his versatility. That job might fall to Moussa Diabate and rookie reserve Ryan Kalkbrenner, who was praised earlier within the season for his changes defensively. Kalkbrenner’s courtroom time has been decreased not too long ago whereas nonetheless making an impression.
“I believe we’re seeing his bodily go up,” Lee mentioned. “I believe swiftly, his mindset has modified about how he’ll dominate the paint at each ends.”
Diabate mentioned he understands the significance of his position defensively.
“Protection is enjoyable to me,” he mentioned. “When you may have 4 different guys that may guard in addition to you, it makes it quite a bit simpler. Now it turns into a recreation of who desires to protect who.”
Kalkbrenner has joined Kon Knueppel and Sion James as key rookie contributors for the Hornets.
“All three have grown,” Lee mentioned.
The turnover bug continues to be a difficulty for the Hornets, who had 21 giveaways in opposition to the Wizards. The 76ers pressured solely 10 turnovers in opposition to the Knicks on Saturday.
When the 76ers and Hornets met in October, Philadelphia claimed a 125-121 dwelling victory regardless of LaMelo Ball coming inside two assists of a triple-double for Charlotte. Maxey had 28 factors, whereas Embiid posted 20 factors on 7-for-11 taking pictures.
The 76ers have been in a number of shut finishes this month. Three video games have gone into time beyond regulation whereas all three of their losses within the final 10 days have come by six factors or much less.
Saturday’s recreation in Charlotte had a time adjustment due to impending wintry climate. The Hornets seen the assist they acquired and will probably be searching for extra because the area recovers from the storm.
“We acquired the perfect followers on this planet, probably the most loyal followers,” ahead Miles Bridges mentioned. “To come back out right here when it is about to be an ice storm, meaning quite a bit to us. So we needed to reward them with the win.”
–Area Stage Media
