Miles Bridges led with 25 points, while Vasilije Micic, making his Hornets debut, recorded career highs of 18 points and nine assists, propelling the revitalized Charlotte Hornets to break a 10-game skid with a 115-106 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies during Saturday’s NBA action.
Brandon Miller contributed 18 points, aiding the Hornets in clinching their first home victory since January 19. Vasilije Micic made a notable entry into the Hornets lineup alongside Tre Mann, Grant Williams, Davis Bertans, and Seth Curry following the trades of P.J. Washington to Dallas and Gordon Hayward to Oklahoma City last Thursday.
“I didn’t expect to play this much, honestly,” Micic said.
Micic, who played 26 minutes off the bench, expressed his surprise at the extensive playing time. Hornets coach Steve Clifford praised Micic for his exceptional court vision and passing skills, emphasizing his unique ability to execute plays that others might not.
“All the stuff you can’t teach,” Clifford said. “He knows where everybody is on the floor. Obviously, he is a terrific passer and a good pick-and-roll player. And he’s got size. He’s big. Some of those passes maybe other guys can see, but don’t have the ability to make the play.”
Grant Williams, returning to play in his hometown alongside Curry, added toughness to the game with 15 points and eight rebounds. Tre Mann started and contributed nine points and nine rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 29 points amid a challenging phase for the team, which saw them without seven injured players, extending their losing streak to eight games.
Despite their newly formed roster lacking practice together, the Hornets showcased their potential with 30 assists. After a slower start, Bridges escalated his performance in the second half with 19 points, including a standout moment with a steal and a spectacular dunk that extended Charlotte’s lead.
The Hornets demonstrated their synergy with significant plays down the stretch, highlighted by a reverse layup from Bridges and a dunk from Williams, following a creative assist from Micic, solidifying their victory.
Clifford acknowledged the intelligence and experience the new additions bring to the team, highlighting their potential impact in the locker room.
“The two things you want in this league, one, you want smart, high IQ guys. I think we added a bunch of those,” Clifford said about the five newcomers. “And then also I think there’s very much a veteran presence that they’re going to bring to our locker room.”
Memphis also made moves on the trade front, trading Steven Adams, Xavier Tillman Sr., and David Roddy, though their new acquisitions, Lamar Stevens and Yuta Watanabe, did not play in this game. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins expressed enthusiasm for Watanabe’s return and competitive edge.
“It’s been fun to watch Yuta’s career with his time in Memphis,” Jenkins said. “I’m excited to have him come back. He’s a utility player who can play the three and the four, and he’s ultra-competitive, obviously, his shots have gotten a lot better. Lamar is continuing to evaluate that wing crop that we’ve got.”
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will face the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Hornets will take on the Indiana Pacers, both matches scheduled for Monday night.
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