The Charlotte Hornets fell back to Earth on Tuesday, losing to the Miami Heat in humiliating fashion. The offense was acceptable, but the defense was definitely troubling. Perhaps a gritty veteran like Grant Williams being on the floor would have made a difference for the Hornets.
That's not to say that they would have defeated Miami had Williams been healthy enough to play. With their Southeast Division rival performing like it is the playoffs already and the Hornets playing their third game on the road in four nights, maybe a loss would still have been the outcome for them. However, getting dominated to the tune of 144-117 may have been avoided.
For a while, though, it looked like Charlotte could keep up with the Heat, finishing the first quarter trailing 37-34. LaMelo Ball looked unstoppable and continued to show the progress fans have been begging him to make for a long while in the period, putting up 15 points on 5-8 shooting from the field and 4-5 from downtown.
Unfortunately, the Hornets were exposed in the second stanza, as they got outscored 39-26. Ball missed all five field-goal attempts after sitting on the bench for nearly seven minutes and displayed some pent-up frustration, particularly when the whistle did not go his way. His teammates also failed to stand up to the Heat's increased aggression.
After that, it was Miami all the way.
Hornets still need a leader on the court
Like I said, Williams suiting up might not have changed the result, but he would have probably helped his team put up a better fight through his leadership and intangibles. Right now, Charlotte has no one who can consistently be the voice of reason to steady the ship when it's sinking.
Ball was able to be that guy in its comeback win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. However, he may have lost his bearings on Tuesday due to the Heat's physicality. Miles Bridges has also been expected to step up in the leadership department, but he seemed to be more worried about getting his shots to fall in Miami. Brandon Miller has exhibited some qualities of being a leader since the preseason, although it may take weeks before he returns from his shoulder injury.
For now, it appears Williams is the best-equipped guy to hold the Hornets accountable. Sadly, the timeline of his recovery from his gruesome injury from last year is still murky. Besides, he may need some time to get back in shape even after he gets the green light to suit up.
So, Hornets coach Charles Lee might have to look elsewhere for on-court leadership, especially when the going gets tough.