Both teams played a heavy reserve lineup, and the Charlotte Hornets ended their season with a loss to the Celtics, 93-86.
The Summary
Both teams predictably trotted out reserve lineups with nothing at stake. The Hornets reserves looked more the part. Outside of five quick points from Jusuf Nurkic, they quite literally could not put the ball in the basket. Meanwhile the Celtics bombed away from three and built an 18 point lead in just the first quarter.
The second quarter was not one for the faint of heart. Both teams clanged shots from all over the floor for most of the period. The Hornets did finish strong though thanks to Damion Baugh and Wendell Moore. The latter’s tip-in at the buzzer within 11 at the half.
DaQuan Jeffries hit a couple of quick threes to make it a two possession game. Jaylen Sims hit a pair of his own to bring the Hornets within one then found Moussa Diabate on a dropoff for a dunk to give the Hornets a brief lead. The Celtics took it back and led by one heading into the final quarter of the season.
Wendell Moore took his turn as Hornets role player to hit a couple of 3-pointers, but the Celtics had answers with Payton Pritchard. The Hornets had a couple of chances to take the lead after a couple of Moussa Diabate free throws, but all they could do was turn the ball over and miss jumpers. They did eventually tie the game after a Diabate steal led to his own layup on the other end. That bucket came at the 2:13 mark, and it would prove to be the final points the Hornets would score all season. JD Davison made a layup right after to put the Celtics back on top, then Jordan Walsh hit a three to go up five. The next two Hornets possessions ended with turnovers, which essentially iced the game feels like a fitting way for the season to end. Moussa Diabate attempted a three that just missed short, and that ended the season in earnest.
The Good
The season is finally over, so now we can turn our attention to regaining hope over the offseason.
I really like the way the G League players play. The front office has identified a play style that they want and did a good job of adding those guys. I’ve enjoyed watching Baugh, Moore, and Sims play. Unfortunately none of them have been able to make enough shots, so their overall impact is limited, but they play in a way that’s conducive to winning otherwise.
Charles Lee coached the boys hard even in a meaningless final game. He got a technical foul in the third quarter for his disagreements about calls the Hornets weren’t getting.
The Bad
Tidjane Salaün had a rough day at the office. He went 1-of-7 from three and missed all four of his 3-point attempts. If I’m on the Hornets development staff, I don’t let him do a single layup off one foot during the offseason. He keeps getting himself into trouble throwing wild shots at the basket because he has nowhere to go after he picks up his dribble and takes his stride. He has the size to get himself some good looks if he plants his feet in the lane and goes strong towards the basket.
