During Wednesday’s NBA action, the Charlotte Hornets showcased their offensive capabilities and resilience, leading to a 110-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Miles Bridges scored 27 points and rookie Vasa Micic added a career-high 25, propelling the Hornets with standout performances, overcoming a game marred by turnovers and missed opportunities.
Micic’s near-perfect shooting night, including a remarkable performance from beyond the arc, alongside Grant Williams‘ crucial contributions in the final quarter, underscored the Hornets’ ability to capitalize on their moments. Despite the game’s overall sloppiness, Charlotte’s superior shooting percentage played a decisive role in their victory.
Trey Jemison highlighted the Grizzlies’ struggle to match Charlotte’s pace and communication on the court, which contributed significantly to their downfall.
“It was their transition,” Jemison said. “They were running, and we weren’t matching that. Not talking enough. That ends up being a big problem for us.”
GG Jackson‘s effort for the Grizzlies, leading with 26 points, and contributions from Luke Kennard and John Konchar, were noteworthy but insufficient to bridge the gap created by Charlotte’s dynamic offense and Memphis’ roster challenges due to injuries.
A peculiar aspect of the game was Charlotte’s delayed free throw attempts, which did not make it to the line until well into the fourth quarter. This point of contention highlighted the game’s tightly contested nature.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the significance of the win, especially given the Grizzlies’ resilience despite their injury-plagued season. This victory marks an important morale booster for the Hornets, emphasizing the value of road wins and improvement.
“They’ve been decimated by injuries,” Clifford said. “Yet, when you watch them, they are in the game almost every night regardless of who they play. That’s a good win for us. It’s hard to come in here and play, and they are hard to play against.”
As both teams continue to navigate their positions at the lower end of their respective conference standings, this matchup provided insights into their potential and areas requiring attention.
“Every win on the road is big in the NBA,” Bridges said. “As long as we keep getting better, that’s all I’m worried about.”
The Hornets are set to host Phoenix on Friday, looking to build on their momentum, while the Grizzlies prepare to welcome Oklahoma City on Saturday, hoping to rectify their recent form and capitalize on their home-court advantage.
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