Nic Batum Plays Well in the Charlotte Hornets Loss to Blake Griffin and the Clippers

Kemba’s All-Star presence was missing as the Charlotte Hornets continue to struggle to close out games with their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Charlotte Hornets started off hot but could not stay consistent the whole night. After the first quarter, it was very rare for the Hornets to even be within a single possession of tying or taking the lead. Poor shooting played a huge part in the 107-102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Charlotte needs to wake up if they even want to reach the playoffs at this point.

Our player of the game is Nicolas Batum. In this one, Nic looked like the true leader of the Hornets. He was very decisive in the game and made some deadly shots. His offensive effort kept Charlotte close for a chance to win. On nights when Kemba is struggling, it is great when the other guard is stepping up and making his presence known.

Player Grades

Kemba Walker (C+)

10 PTS 4 AST 4 REBS

Not only was this game rough for the Hornets but it featured another poor shooting night from their all-star point guard. Kemba only shot (4-18) from the field but he did provide an impact on the defensive side of the ball. Charlotte needs Walker to get back to his all-star form.

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Nicolas Batum (A)

25  PTS 8 AST 6 REBS

When everything was not going the Hornets way, Batum showed up and kept the team in the game. He made a few threes while also being a dangerous playmaker. Nic must continue this style of play and watch out for unnecessary and costly turnovers.

Frank Kaminsky (A-)

20 PTS 5 AST 8 REBS

It may have seemed to be a poor night from Frank Kaminsky but he showed up and elevated his game on both offense and defense. The Tank had some good shots go in while also showing off his range with the three ball. With Zeller missing games, it is urgent that Kaminsky shows up every night and keeps on scoring the ball at a high clip because that’s what he’s in the game to do.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (B)

8 PTS 0 AST 7 REBS

We did not hear a lot about MKG but in the beginning of the game, he made his presence known. He made some fade away jumpers and established himself as an offensive weapon. As always, Kidd-Gilchrist proved his worth on the defensive side of the ball.

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Marvin Williams (B)

9 PTS 1 AST 5 REBS

For another night, Marvin keeps on showing up on the offensive side of the ball. When we see Williams drives the lane now, it almost seems like a gimme. While only putting up nine points, he did provide some good defense against the Clippers.

Miles Plumlee (D)

0 PTS 0 AST 2 REBS

This was the worst night Plumlee has had in a Hornets’ jersey since arriving. He made some mistakes on offense and got posterized by Blake Griffin. Miles needs to step it up and the team needs to use him more than they currently are. After all, they did invest a lot in him.

Marco Belinelli (A)

17 PTS 4 AST 1 REBS

Once again, Marco came off the bench and scored with some acrobatic shooting. Not sure how he does it but he keeps hitting crazy off-balance shots every night. Marco keeps proving that he is one of the NBA’s best sixth men. When the second unit comes on the court, Marco is the true leader of the bench. The Hornets need his play to continue if they want to reach the postseason.

Brian Roberts (C-)

0 PTS 2 AST 3 REBS

Not enough time to provide much of an impact in the game.

Jeremy Lamb (B+)

13 PTS 3 AST 1 REBS

Every time Lamb came onto the court, he kept proving why he is a dominant bench player. His points continue to rise and his shooting percentage continues to improve. Although Jeremy did not have his typical impact on the boards, he still played well.

Next: Don't Sleep on Jeremy Lamb Just Yet

After a second consecutive loss, the Hornets need to get with the program if they want to make it to the postseason. The Hornets are set up to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, and should not take this game lightly. The Hornets need to get a win here, as it is their last home game before the all-star break. Could we possibly see another trade too?