It might be in bad taste to nitpick on something negative that manifested during the Charlotte Hornets' win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, especially since they snapped a three-game losing streak — and LaMelo Ball did not even have to suit up. However, if they don't find a way to address their tendency to play isolation ball, losses may pile up at the end of the season.
The Hornets blew out Utah, continuing a trend this campaign, in which they handily defeat opponents they are supposed to be superior to and struggling against stronger competition.
But if they want to fare better against even more formidable foes, they will need to improve their ball movement and execute their sets more consistently.
To wit, the Hornets began the second half with a 71-48 margin, but they puzzled some fans by allowing the visitors to score 38 on 10-18 shooting from the field and 15-16 from the free-throw line. Their response on offense was letting Miles Bridges and Tre Mann inexplicably play hero ball.
Bridges was able to record 13 points on 3-5 shooting from the field and 6-6 from the charity stripe while also dishing out three assists. Mann, on the other hand, had an inefficient quarter, with Charlotte getting outscored by 10 when he was on the floor.
To be fair, both of them played well overall, but Charlotte has to remind them that its offense works better when it pushes the pace and passes the rock around.
Hornets must find a way to keep the ball moving more often
Fortunately for the Hive, the squad was still able to coast to the victory on the heels of a strong first half and first few minutes of the third quarter. However, it must not make a habit out of letting anyone go shot-chucking, not even Ball. It would be fine if the Hornets had someone who could reliably thrive in isolation plays, but stats show they don't have one yet.
Another reason they need to avoid exasperating offensive plays is the players' tendency to show their frustration on defense whenever things don't go their way. Not to single them out, but Ball, Bridges, and Mann have all been culprits of such misdeeds. With Charlotte currently being one of the worst defensive clubs in the league, and thus having little margin for error on that end of the floor, it is imperative for the team to stay motivated in as many possessions as possible.
The next couple of weeks will prove how important it is for the Hornets to correct their bad habits, as they are slated to face tough matchups, including the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Harsh as it may sound, but Buzz City is not favored at all to win those contests. So, it must put itself in the best position to pull off as many upsets as possible.