Hornets Present Depth With out LaMelo Ball
Final night time, the Charlotte Hornets confronted the Bucks with out their franchise star LaMelo Ball, but they delivered considered one of their most balanced workforce performances of the season. As an alternative of collapsing with out their main creator, Charlotte discovered new sources of management, scoring and defensive presence throughout their roster.
Rookie Kon Knueppel (No. 4 draft choose) at the moment sits on the prime of the KIA Rookie of the Yr Ladder, displaying his sturdy and constant begin to the season. He posted 16 factors and 6 rebounds, as soon as once more displaying poise past his years. With Cedric Coward second within the rookie rankings and his Duke teammate Cooper Flagg third, Knueppel’s rise is changing into one of many early-season storylines.
Bridges and Sexton Step Into Hornets Void
With out LaMelo, somebody wanted to change into the offensive engine. Miles Bridges crammed that function with an entire efficiency:
- 20 factors
- 6 assists
- 6 rebounds
He led possessions, orchestrated the offence, and regarded just like the heartbeat of the workforce on each ends.
New singing Collin Sexton matched that vitality. He contributed 16 factors, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, giving Charlotte a second playmaker they desperately wanted in Ball’s absence. His skill to strain the rim and create for others confirmed why the Hornets moved rapidly to deliver him in.
Collectively, Bridges and Sexton offered the management and shot creation that often flows by LaMelo.
Hornets Younger Core Present Its Ceiling
Along with Kon Knueppel’s dominant efficiency, extra of Charlotte’s younger expertise shone by.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, the 7’1, thirty fourth general choose, was excellent. He delivered probably the most environment friendly performances of the night time, capturing 100% from the sector for 17 factors, whereas including 9 rebounds and three blocks. Charlotte clearly considered him as a powerful candidate as their long-term huge man, and to date, he’s matching these requirements.
Off the bench, Moussa Diabate introduced defensive stability with 13 rebounds, whereas Tre Mann added a menace from vary with 13 factors, together with three 3’s. Charlotte’s bench outperformed Milwaukee’s in vitality, versatility and affect.
In consequence, this was the form of workforce win that means the Hornets might lastly have significant depth, one thing they’ve lacked for years.
Bucks Fall Flat With out Giannis
Milwaukee, in the meantime, confronted the identical problem: enjoying with out their star. However their response regarded very totally different.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, the Bucks lacked course. Whereas Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins and Bobby Portis stepped up with sturdy particular person performances, the workforce struggled to take care of offensive circulate or defensive stability.
In contrast to the Hornets, the Bucks didn’t have a transparent alternative for his or her famous person’s manufacturing. Giannis usually offers scoring, playmaking, rebounding and defensive command, and Milwaukee felt the absence of all 4.
Two Groups, Two Futures?
If there was one takeaway from the sport, it was this:
Charlotte demonstrated they’ll operate with out their star, whereas Milwaukee confirmed they nonetheless can’t.
The Hornets found new contributors, new lineups and new confidence. The Bucks, however, regarded like a workforce nonetheless attempting to determine who they’re when their MVP isn’t on the court docket.
Under you’ll be able to watch the Bucks vs Hornets highlights:
