Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: Walker and Parker Dominate in Win

By Giovanni Spillman

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Ryan Arcidiacono #51 of the Chicago Bulls watches on as Tony Parker #9 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play during their game at Spectrum Center on October 26, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Ryan Arcidiacono #51 of the Chicago Bulls watches on as Tony Parker #9 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play during their game at Spectrum Center on October 26, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Hornets look to carry over the success they had in their win over the Bulls as they face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. 

Following a dominating win in the Spectrum Center over the Chicago Bulls, the Charlotte Hornets look to carry over their success on Saturday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hornets initially started off sluggish in the first quarter, scoring only twenty-three points, but were able to capitalize in the second by scoring a whopping forty-five! The Hornets’ would then continue to dominate as they score thirty-four in the third, and thirty-three in the fourth quarter.

Since the Hornets were able to win in blowout fashion, the team was able to rest a majority of the starting unity for the fourth quarter. Resting starters will be useful in the game against Philadelphia on Saturday, as the team must travel to play their fifth road game of the season. It is essential for the energy and intensity of the Hornets’ to carry over from tonight and into Saturday night’s game.

Player of the Game

In this scenario, two awards must be given out. One to Kemba Walker, and another to Charlotte’s bench. Walker played his heart out for the team tonight and was a significant factor in the win, but the bench play truly was the X-factor. The Bench scored a total of sixty-seven points for the team; double the amount of Walker and only one shy of the sixty-eight, in which the starters scored.

Grading the Starting Five

Kemba Walker (A+)

30 PTS 7 AST 6 REB

In this game, Walker was able to dominate the Bulls’ defense, and take advantage of many of matchups; one of these being the stepback three-pointer in which he hit over Cristiano Felicio in the third quarter. With Kemba hitting thirty points, he was able to get close to his average and is still averaged over thirty points-per-game through six games for the Hornets.

Jeremy Lamb (B-)

10 PTS 2 AST 4 REB

Jeremy Lamb had a small impact on the game while being a starter, but he made plays when they were needed the most. Lamb was able to knock down both of his free throw attempts, while also making two of his four three-point attempts.  He also saw limited minutes due too the excellent play of the starters and should be wellrested for Saturday’s game against the 76ers.

More from Swarm and Sting

Nicolas Batum (B+)

10 PTS 5 AST 8 REB

Batum was high effiecint faciliator in the win over the Bulls. He only missed one shot the entire game, while also managing to commit only one turnover. Batum was kept on the court toward the end of the game with the bench due to his veteran leadership and facilitaing abilities; hints why the Hornets also outsocred the Bulls in the last quarter as well.

Marvin Williams (C)

4 PTS 5 REB 2 BLK

Marvin was almost non-existent tonight as he saw very few minutes, and had a small impact on the game. A majority of the offense that came from the forward position in the win came from no other than Micahel Kidd-Gilchrist. Could the coaching staff eventually be looking to move Miles Bridges to the starting unit, and Batum over to Marvin’s spot?

Cody Zeller (B+)

14 PTS 6 REB

Cody did a great job while he was on the floor for the team. He was able to make six out of his nine shots, and also snagged six rebounds. Zeller was another player who saw limited minutes due to the consistent and dominant play from the bench; the rest he was given tonight, must carry over to Saturday, as he potentially does not have to face All-Star Joel Embid, due to an ankle injury.

Bench Grade: (A+)

The bench did a fantastic job in this game as they scored a whopping sixty-seven points for the team. In previous years for Charlotte, the team has almost been non-existent in late game quarters due to poor bench play. Tony Parker also had a break out night off the bench with eighteen points and eight assists.

If the bench can continue to play with this intensity and energy, they have the potential to be one of the most dominant in the Association. It can almost be for sure that one of the players from the bench could eventually get a full-time starting role with the team; could this player be Miles Bridges or Malik Monk?

Final Thoughts

The Hornets must continue the success that they had against the Bulls in their game against the 76ers on Saturday. Joel Embid of the 76ers may be out because of his ankle injury; if he is, will the Hornets take advantage his vacancy? The Hornets need to grab every win that they can, especially when it comes to those that they face in the Eastern Conference.

Home/Hornets News