There's not much optimism about the Charlotte Hornets reaching the playoffs this season, although it would be nice to see them break their streak of futility in April. Veterans Miles Bridges and Collin Sexton are likely keen on doing so because they also have personal reasons behind wanting to steer the Hornets to that stage.
After their comeback win versus the Washington Wizards on Sunday, Bridges talked about the paradigm shift that has swept the organization. He noted that "everybody is tired of losing," adding that he and Sexton are second and third on the list of active players with the most regular-season games without advancing to the playoffs.
Bridges has appeared in 427 contests, while Sexton has 410 appearances under his belt. The only guy ahead of them is the guard's former Utah Jazz teammate, Lauri Markkanen (452). However, that might change this season, considering that the one-time All-Star has regularly been mentioned as a potential trade target for contenders.
Bridges admitted that their high placement on that list is something that he and Sexton have discussed. So, it's understandable that they have extra motivation to push the Hornets to greater heights.
A culture reset has taken place in Charlotte
The good news for the 2018 draft classmates is that the team looks primed to make some noise in the league. Granted, its two wins have come against opponents that appear to be behind it in the rebuilding phase. Still, how they brought home the victory is quite remarkable.
Against the Brooklyn Nets in the regular-season opener, the Hornets were buoyed by a balanced offensive attack. Nine players scored in double-digits, including Bridges and Sexton.
Then, on Sunday, they did not let being down 11 at halftime faze them, rallying to score a franchise-record 88 points in the second half to end up dominating the Wizards. The veteran duo set good examples for their younger teammates by being aggressive in attacking the basket, even when the Hornets were trailing and had already retaken the lead. They combined to shoot 15-17 from the free-throw line.
It's also worth noting that Bridges and Sexton have helped build a culture of winning and entertaining brand of basketball in Charlotte, despite neither having suited up for a playoff-bound squad at any point in their careers. Hopefully, their efforts will be rewarded handsomely later in the campaign. Of course, the Hornets faithful will be thrilled with such an outcome, as they are likely desperate to see the franchise end its streak of nine years without a playoff appearance, the longest active playoff drought in the NBA.
The Hornets have their work cut out for them, even though they are currently 2-1 in the standings. The matchups will only get harder from here on, although if they can weather the storm over the next few months, they have an opportunity to take advantage of a favorable schedule to close the regular season.