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Charlotte Hornets: Takeaways from the back-to-back losses

By Dylan Jackson

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 03, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 03, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets struggled mightily over the course of the past two days, losing two games that should be been winnable – one to the Suns by 34 points, and one to the Wizards by 3 points after Kyle Kuzma had a career game.

There is a lot to be said about how the Charlotte Hornets have been performing during this stretch, and narrowing this list down to three things is a tough endeavor.

Charlotte Hornets takeaways: The Hornets really miss PJ Washington

While it is fair to point out the Hornets lack of a big man presence this season – it must not go without mention that PJ Washington is the team’s best interior defender (as well as someone that can space the floor in the frontcourt. Since Washington has been out due to COVID protocols, the Hornets have really missed his presence, especially in a game like Sunday’s – where the Hornets allowed 30 combined points from Jalen Smith and Bismack Biyombo (yes, the same Bismack Biyombo that the Hornets had last season).

Charlotte Hornets takeaways: The Hornets need the good version of Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier has been on a heater the past six games, averaging 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one turnover per game on 46-percent 3-point shooting. In his lone down game during this stretch (against Phoenix on Sunday), the Hornets had their worst loss of the season. When Terry Rozier is better, the Hornets are better, and he is absolutely a crucial part of the team. In last night’s game against the Wizards, Rozier had 25 points on 17 shots, with a few clutch makes in the stretch. However, it still was not enough to secure the win.

Charlotte Hornets takeaways: LaMelo Ball is going to be an All-Star.

LaMelo Ball has been the Hornets best player by a significant margin since returning from COVID protocols, averaging 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game on shooting splits of 45/37/84. While those numbers are still great, they’d be considered mild considering some of the work Ball has done this season – and there are several stretches in games where he is able to completely take over. It’s promising for Charlotte Hornets fans, even if the last two games have been disappointing.

Next. 3 Hornets players we would like to see more of in 2022. dark

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