Sixers Squeak by Scrappy Hornets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After getting waxed by the Philadelphia 76ers a month ago, the Charlotte Hornets played an extremely competitive game against them on Saturday night, but ultimately fell short 97-89.

The Hornets had a ton of success the night before with the small ball lineup, utilizing P.J. Washington at the five and head coach Steve Clifford noted that it's not something they're going to be able to do every night. Washington didn't much success offensively but he managed the battle underneath with Joel Embiid fairly well.

Charlotte took a 73-69 lead into the fourth quarter but a 13-2 run by Philadelphia turned the game and a fatigued Hornets' squad couldn't keep it within striking distance down the stretch.

Best of the Night: Paint battle.

Without Mark Williams and Nick Richards, I expected the Hornets to really struggle on the glass and in the paint against Joel Embiid. Don't get me wrong, he still had his way down low but 33 points and 10 boards is a lot better than 42 and 15 he put up in Charlotte last month and that was with Richards on the floor. The Hornets won the rebounding edge by one and were only outscored in the paint by ten.

Worst of the Night: Three-point selection.

I usually don't heavily scrutinize decision-making from deep. Guys at this level have a pretty good idea of what's a good shot and what's not. That said, it felt like the Hornets were forcing up more than a handful of shots from downtown, trying to be the one that got it going from three. Charlotte made 9-of-37 attempts (24.3%) and if you take away Miles Bridges' numbers, the rest of the team went 4/27 (14%).

Stat of the Night: Miles Bridges from deep.

It seems like every night Glen Rice is getting passed up by someone on this roster in most made three-pointers in Hornets' history. Saturday night, it was Miles Bridges' turn. Bridges now sits 7th all-time and is right on the tails of LaMelo Ball and P.J. Washington.

Highlight of the Night:

DEFENSE ▶️ OFFENSE @cody_martin15 🤝 @PJWashington pic.twitter.com/ECIHJHEt0d
— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) January 21, 2024

Next up: Hornets at Timberwolves, Monday at 8 p.m. EST.

Individual + Team Stats: Hornets vs. 76ers

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