Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Showing Signs of Playoff Life

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) dunks the ball against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) dunks the ball against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets are on the outside looking in of the playoff picture but they won’t give up in their attempt to complete an improbable postseason push.

Even after a big win over the Washington Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets still have a long way to go in their pursuit of the playoffs. It is still unlikely that they make the postseason this year but as long as there is a chance, Kemba Walker, Steve Clifford and the rest of the team aren’t going to give up. After all, anything can happen in the NBA and especially during this time of the season.

It might only be one win but the victory over John Wall and the Wizards could be the Hornets’ signature win this season. They don’t have a number of big victories over some of the better teams in the NBA during the 2016-17 campaign but the one over Washington, this late in the year, could give Charlotte confidence and momentum to propel them in a final push for the postseason.

This wasn’t just an average win. The Hornets looked like the team from last season. Charlotte defended with a sense of urgency that they had missed for a majority of the year. They held the surging Wizards, who were 26-8 coming into the game, to only 93 points which were their fifth lowest scoring total of the season.

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Washington came into the game scoring 101+ points in 11 consecutive outings and in 34 of their last 34 of their last 35 games in total. By holding them to only 93 points and 36.7% shooting from the field (lowest clip this season), the Hornets accomplished a feat that hasn’t been done previously this year against the Wizards.

That’s the classic “Buzz City” swarming style of defense that fans have gotten used to over the years and had expected this season. Steve Clifford’s constant criticism of the team’s poor defense and play may have finally gotten through to the players. The better the defense is, the better the Hornets are. The proof is in the pudding. They are 13-0 at home this season when holding opponents under 100 points and 19-3 overall when doing so. (Basketball-Reference.com)

With only 13 games left in the season, the Hornets only have a 3% chance of making the playoffs. (Projects.FiveThirtyEight.com) The odds are not in their favor but don’t tell that to Kemba and company because they are still going to go out and battle every game to fight for crucial wins. Ultimately, Charlotte will probably come up short but one thing is for sure, they will not give up and tank.

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That never say die attitude and mentality will go a long way for not only this season but for the future success of the organization. With a somewhat healthy roster that has their key players in the rotation, the Charlotte Hornets have the tools to make a late push.

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