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Charlotte Hornets: 3 players who must step up in Gordon Hayward’s absence

By Shawn Simmons

Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 28: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Phoenix Suns during their game at Spectrum Center on March 28, 2021, 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 28: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Phoenix Suns during their game at Spectrum Center on March 28, 2021, 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Miles Bridges has excelled in his role as the reserve power forward this season for the Charlotte Hornets

When Gordon Hayward went down on Friday night against the Indiana Pacers, Miles Bridges stepped up big time. Bridges started the second half and led the team to victory. Bridges finished the game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field and 57.1% from three.

Bridges will start in place of Hayward at small forward while Hayward is out.

Bridges isn’t normally a player that the Hornets count on for scoring. The Hornets don’t run plays for him; he’s not a part of the offensive gameplan for Charlotte. Bridges scores his points by finishing at the rim, in transition, or hitting open jump shots when the opponent’s defense leaves him to help Ball, Hayward, Monk, Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier, or PJ Washington. Bridges is shooting the best percentages of his three-year career (49.9% FG, 37.8% 3PT).

Bridges has been playing better defensively this season, although in taking Hayward’s place in the lineup, he’ll defend the wing positions more.

Bridges will have to stay consistent on the defensive end and create offense for himself for the Hornets to stay in the playoff race while Hayward is out.

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