The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. However, the fact that they narrowed the margin to single digits after falling by as many as 23 in the first quarter deserves commendation.
Resilience has been one of the Hornets' redeeming qualities this season. Even if it hasn't resulted in many wins, their refusal to roll over and just accept defeat when they go down big on the scoreboard has been entertaining to watch. It should also serve as a good foundation for the team as it aims to build a long-term contender.
The Lakers' offensive firepower proved too much for Charlotte, with Anthony Davis recording 42 points and 23 rebounds. It would have been a delight if the Hornets' rally was successful because the star wouldn't be 5-0 when he has at least 40 points and 20 rebounds if they completed the comeback win.
Anthony Davis taught Mark Williams an important lesson
It didn't take long for Davis to assert his dominance. He finished the opening period with 21 and 11, as Los Angeles raced to a 39-19 lead. It was a masterclass for the nine-time All-Star, and Hornets big man Mark Williams was unable to put up much of a resistance.
Williams tried his best but just didn't have the size, smarts, and discipline to stop Davis from scoring at the perimeter and inside the paint. He even had to deal with foul trouble, as the 31-year-old star made 10 trips to the free-throw line through the evening.
It's clear now what the third-year pro has to do to take his game to the next level. He has already proven capable of being a reliable offensive force, particularly when he logged more than 30 points in a four-game span earlier this month. It's time for him to work more on his defense.
Williams is already one of Charlotte's best defensive players. He leads the team in defensive rebounding percentage and trails only Josh Okogie, who has made just five appearances in a Hornets uniform but has already proven essential to the squad, in defensive rating and defensive box plus/minus. Still, the Monday matchup against the four-time All-NBA First-Team selection showed that there is still plenty of room for improvement on defense for the 23-year-old center.
Imagine if Williams evolves into an elite two-way star. Such a player anchoring a core group also consisting of a potential perennial All-Star in LaMelo Ball, a formidable perimeter threat in Brandon Miller, and a possible high draft selection this summer would likely be able to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.