Charlotte's Renewed Roster Pushes the Hornets Over the Grizzlies, 115-106

Days ago, Charlotte HC Steve Clifford wearily admitted that the Hornets were undertalented. But one trade deadline and five new Hornets players later — Saturday against the Grizzlies was the first game as a 2023-24 Hornet for Grant Williams, Tre Mann, Seth Curry, Davis Bertans, and Vasilije Micić — everything has changed.

The Hornets broke a ten-game losing streak and won the game at home, 115-106. All five fresh Charlotte Hornets recruits got playing time, with Mann coming out of the gate strong, scoring Charlotte's first five points. In fact, all the new guys except Bertans played during the first quarter, and Bertans subbed in soon after.

Grant Williams has been the only Hornet who can slow down Jaren Jackson Jr.

Great defense, grabbed the rebound and started the break. Love his ability to guard with his chest and not foul pic.twitter.com/pZkimQD62L
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) February 11, 2024

From the start, it seemed like the Hornets were playing better team ball on both ends. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges were feeding off the teams' reconfigured injury. The first quarter ended in a Grizzlies lead, 28-25. But the Hornets pulled ahead — a 48-42 Charlotte lead with two minutes left in the second. Bertans nailed a three right after Grant Williams nailed a three. At half, the score was 58-49, Hornets.

It only got better from there. The Hornets' second unit played some elastic defense, showing that perhaps a whole new era of basketball has descended upon the Queen City. Bridges showed a more tempered approach that let the shots come to him — he ended the game with 25 points. Miller had 18, as did Micić.

Best of the Night: The New Blood

Hornets fans (not to mention Steve Clifford) probably breathed a huge sigh of relief after this game. Maybe this time, Charlotte's moves at the trade deadline finally got it right. And the Hornets still didn't have the injured Melo and Mark Williams. Just think about when they come back. What an exciting time for the Charlotte Hornets.

Hornets second unit hasn’t played defense like this all season. Curry, Micic and Mann all staying in front, communicating and staying dicsiplined pic.twitter.com/9Et3PcCcK7
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) February 11, 2024

Up Next: The Hornets welcome the Indiana Pacers on Monday (Feb. 12) at 7 PM EST.

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