Two losses, but no worries for the Hornets

Charlotte finished the first part of the season like a cannon, with 10 wins in the last 11 games before the break. The recovery, however, is more delicate: the Hornets remain on two setbacks, facing Houston Then Clevelandeach time at the end of close encounters that were played in the last minutes.

Enough to fuel regret, certainly. But in the locker room, it’s more time for lucidity than worry.

“Honestly, I felt like we played pretty well.Kon Knuepel confides after the loss to the Cavaliers. “Thursday against the Rockets, I don’t think we played our best basketball, especially in possession and offense, but our defense and rebounding kept us in the game. From a competitive standpoint, I think we’re up to the task. It’s just two close games, against good teams, right after the All-Star break.”

To put these two setbacks into perspective, we must remember that Charlotte is not 100% evolving. since they are suspensions Miles Bridges etc Moussa Diabatesanctioned after the fight against the Pistons. I Coby Whiterecovered at the trade deadline, has yet to play a single minute in a Hornets jersey.

A rookie showing off

The good news: Two suspended players are expected to return during the upcoming three-game road trip, and the suspensions will end after the first trip to Washington.

“I think we’re going in the right direction”, insists Charles Leea little worried about this little drop in speed. “We are making huge progress, even if the results are not there yet. For example, there are times when Tidjane Salaun enters the field and manages to influence the game. We are never happy to lose, but there are many positive things to remember. We have to keep moving forward.”

Among these reasons for satisfaction, there is also a newcomer Ryan Kalkbrenner. The interior is taking advantage of Moussa Diabate’s absence to showcase itself. Against the Cavaliers, he dominated rebounding with 13 catches, including nine offensively, and added 12 points (as against Houston) for the third double-double of his young career.

“He was great”salutes Charles Lee. “During the last match, his physical impact and intensity were felt in longer sequences than we’ve seen in a while. When he plays like that, he makes us different: he brings depth, he can block shots and defend in different profiles.”

Despite this slight setback, Charlotte (26-31) remains in the top 10 in the East, while the Bucks (24-30), riding a three-game winning streak, are closing in on the rearview mirror.