3 Takeaways from Charlotte Hornets win vs. Atlanta

Down four members of their regular rotation due to health and safety protocols. The Charlotte Hornets marched into Atlanta to take down the Hawks by a score of 130-127. Miles Bridges, 32 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr., 28 points, led the way for Charlotte on Sunday night.

Charlotte was without their star point guard LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Jalen McDaniels, and Mason Plumlee for their matchup against the Hawks. The Hornets called on the services of Bridges, Oubre, Cody Martin, and Ish Smith to win them this game. Not to mention strong efforts from both Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington.

Charlotte had to call up the rookies from the Greensboro Swarm just so they could have enough bodies for tonight’s matchup. Only JT Thor (12 minutes) and James Bouknight (6 minutes) were featured in the game. This was the first time we saw any of the rookies get meaningful minutes during a game this season. It wasn’t a memorable one, as neither player was able to register a point, but Thor showcased some solid versatility on both sides of the court and the future remains very bright for this year’s draft class.

3 Takeaways from Charlotte Hornets win vs. Atlanta: Cody Martin is a true and GOOD rotation player

Throughout this entire season, Cody Martin has been called on to provide strong defense and even a steady hand on the offensive end of the court. After missing the last two games due to an illness, he was called on tonight to produce the best game of his career, and oh did he deliver.

Martin finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 32 minutes, and was asked to guard Hawks superstar point guard, Trae Young. Martin has proven to be a great rotation piece for the Hornets this season and should remain a part of the core of this team for the foreseeable future.

3 Takeaways from Charlotte Hornets win vs. Atlanta: Kelly Oubre couldn’t be any more confident

Kelly Oubre is oozing with confidence right now and he’s got to green light to shoot from anywhere on the court. Kind of surprising for someone who had a historically bad start from three-point range just last season. Oubre finished 6 of 10 from three tonight and is shooting 37.6% from behind the arc on a high clip of 7.1 attempts per game this season.

This is now back-to-back games of 25 plus points and four times in his last five games that Oubre has scored 23 plus points. He’s treading into the territory of having to ask “should he be starting?”, and it’s a very valid question.

3 Takeaways from Charlotte Hornets win vs. Atlanta: Miles Bridges is that guy

With his co-star LaMelo Ball out with COVID and his Hornets on a three-game losing streak, Miles Bridges stepped up to the plate and delivered the performance of a superstar against the Hawks. He finished the game with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on an efficient 11 of 15 shooting (4 of 6 from three).

Bridges bet on himself this offseason when he declined Charlotte’s contract offer and so far he’s proven that was the right decision. Bridges stepped up big time tonight and reminded everyone that he’s the heart and soul of this Hornets team.

Hornets have to move on quickly as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers tomorrow night.