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Hornets–107 Magic–104 [Wrap-up]

Published on January 25, 2021 by hugocltLeave a comment

Heyyooo, it wasn’t pretty but the Hornets are back in the win column after a 39 point performance from Gordon Hayward. LaMelo and Miles provided a spark off the bench in the first half and kept the Hornets within striking distance. The pair (M&M(Melo&Miles)) plus Zeller were the only 3 players for the Hornets with positive +/-‘s in the first half and it showed. Miles built upon his first half with 7 more points in the third quarter but the Hornets turned the ball over 5 times in the 3rd and allowed the Magic to add 4 points to their lead going into the fourth quarter.

The 4^th quarter is where the fun started for the Hornets, with Devonte’ knocking down a 3 only seconds into the quarter bringing the lead down to 9. Devonte’ continued to show out by either scoring or assisting on the Hornets next 9 points while the team defense only allowed a Vucevic’ jump shot, bringing the lead down to 2 points. After some free throws from both sides Devonte’ hit another three to put the Hornets up 1 for the first time since the 4 minute mark in the 1^st quarter. Gordon Hayward, feeling left out on the fun, began his own bucket-fest scoring 8 straight points in the game and pushed the lead to 9 points, which should have been out of reach…. But our young Hornets let the Magic back in the game, and ultimately tie it up behind a couple of nut dragging threes from Fournier and one from ross with 8 seconds to go (which wouldn’t have mattered if Biz hit ONE of his damn free throws.). With the game on the line and 8 seconds to go Hayward eyed Fournier up and blew past him with physicality to hit the buzzer beating layup in traffic, off the glass, leaving only 0.7 seconds left on the clock. After a 5 second call(Cole Anthony is young too) on the ensuing play the Hornets got the win we were desperately needing.

Notes:

-The bench goes as LaMelo goes; Starters go as Graham goes.

-Gordon did everything he could do to not get 40pts, missing 4/8 at the free throw line

-Miles needs to stay aggressive like he was tonight, while not getting happy feet travels

-The defensive scheme needs a lot of work. It’s hard to be a hardass about defense and turnovers(looking at you Borrego) when your whole scheme revolves around seemingly switching EVERYTHING.

Hornets(6-9) @ Magic(7-9) [Preview]

Published on January 24, 2021 by hugoclt1 Comment

The bottom of the eastern conference is muddied with average ass teams. Two of those teams, Hornets and Magic, play tonight right off Interstate 4 in Orlando Florida. The Hornets have dropped 4 straight and are looking less and less like the promising team of a couple weeks ago. The Magic must be feeling somewhat similar because they started the season 6-2 and have faded off to 1-7 their last 8 games. Vucevic’ needs to be held to under his normal 20pts 10rbs, for the Hornets to win easily. Rozier and LaMelo having a high number of assists also gives the Hornets a great shot of taking this one against the Magic.

Charlotte Keys

Make the easy pass – Limit turnovers and don’t be stupid with the ball

Biz’s defense – Biyombo needs to play good on and off the ball defense on Vuc’ and rebound the ball defensively

Don’t let the role players beat us – Garrett frickin’ temple had 15pts on us last game

Magic Keys

Aaron Gordon – Gordon has been a + player in the last three games (includes 2 losses) and that consistency is needed desperately by the magic

Rebounding – The Hornets have a bad habit of playing good (enough) defense but then forgetting to rebound the damn ball, the Magic need to grab some Offensive rebounds.

Prop Bets HugoCLT’s Overall Record (3-0)

Devonte’ Graham OVER 14.5points (-110)

Terry Rozier OVER 3.5assists (+135)

Nikola Vucevic’ OVER 11.5rebounds (+105)

Evan Fournier UNDER 15.5points (even)

Bulls-123 Hornets-110 [Wrap-up]

Published on January 23, 2021January 25, 2021 by hugocltLeave a comment

The Bulls outplayed the Hornets tonight big time as the Bulls continue their Zach Lavine fueled 4 game winning streak. The Hornets bench came out flat as hell in the first half and didn’t backup Devonte’ Graham’s 3 point spree. We can’t have 14 turnovers in the first half and expect to be in a good chance to win the game. It’s also important to defend their best player right? Zach Lavine had 15 points in the first half shooting 86% from the field… Miles Bridges put up a goose egg in both points and shot attempts. Miles can’t allow himself to play so low energy and ineffective when LaMelo is having a crappy game. In the first half Terry played poorly as well, so that makes 2/3rds of our guard rotation playing poorly and the other third, Devonte’, dropping 22.

The second half was just as frustrating to watch because the hornets were never able to hit the big shot or get the big stop when they needed to. It felt like every time Gordon Hayward got them within 6 or 7 points the Bulls lead Immediately jumped to double digit points. LaMelo played one minute in the second half in a real crockpot move by Borrego. I’m not saying LaMelo played well in the first half but if he’s healthy he should be allowed to play through some rough games his rookie year. Back in his home state NCHSAA Legend and all time scoring leader Coby White had a great second half for the Bulls with 12pts and 3 asts. Devonte’ really cooled off in the second half and that turned out to be enough for the Bulls to keep the Hornets at arms length for the whole second half.

Hopefully the Hornets, especially their bench can turn it around against the Magic on Sunday and Monday. It’s not time to be rooting for a high pick yet but Borrego’s seat should be getting a little warm if his weird ass decisions and losses keep piling up.