PJ Washington has been key to the Charlotte Hornets’ recent success

It seems as if the Charlotte Hornets have been stuck in a loop ever since they suffered numerous injuries to rotational players. After losing a handful of games and winning some, Charlotte has managed to get back to the .500 mark.

A big reason behind the Hornets’ recent winning streak has been because of head coach James Borrego’s small-ball starting lineup. In this lineup, PJ Washington has thrived as the team’s starting center.

Charlotte has managed to go 2-0 with a lineup featuring Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, Cody Martin, Miles Bridges, and Washington. This could be a lineup that we continue to see.

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Washington came off an ankle injury suffered mid-way through April. Since coming back from injury, Washington has averaged 19.6 points and six rebounds per game. Washington has averaged 23.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in his last two games in the new starting lineup.

One of Washington’s most impressive stat lines he’s picked up in his last five games has been his three-point shooting; he has made 20 threes while shooting 54%.

With Washington’s newfound confidence, it has opened up other opportunities for his teammates. His speed at the center position has made him an ideal shot-blocker while also helping the Hornets’ transition defense.

Washington’s impact on the team’s offense was evident in Charlotte’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. In those games, the Hornets averaged 116.5 points, which is a huge increase from when Washington was injured or out of the starting lineup.

The Hornets’ three-point shooting has been a big part of Charlotte’s offense. With Washington as the starting center, the Hornets knocked down 35 triples in their past two games.

Expect Borrego to use the same rotation on Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. If this lineup can pull out another win, the Hornets could be in good shape when all their rotation players return from injury in a couple of weeks.