The NBA schedule makers were being kind with they gave the Hornets an opening night home game against the Brookly Nets.
The new look Charlotte Hornets kicked off the season with a 136-117.
Five Hornets scored in double figures led by Brandon Miller’s 25 points. Rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner chipped in with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Brooklyn Nets were led by Nic Claxton’s 17 points.
Takeaways:
Rebounding:
The Hornets dominated the Nets on the boards (50-38) with Kalkbrenner (11), Miles Bridges (11), and Moussa Diabate (9) combining for 31 rebounds. Diabate’s rebounds stood out the most because of the energy he brought to the floor. Getting that type of contribution from the third-year player out of Michigan will serve Charlotte well if it’s a night-in, night-out effort.
Kalkbrenner’s rebounds is one to watch throughout the season because he will face different types of bigs. The Nets were a good matchup for him but what happens when he goes against a stronger big like Ivica Zrbac or an athletic/stretch big like Chet Holmgren.
Miller’s Aggression on Offense:
At times, Miller seems to get sped up on offense but against the Nets, the game slowed down for him. His shot chart was very telling. When he was able to get below the dashes in the lane, he was virtually unstoppable (5-7). Around the free throw line he was 1-3 which is too inefficient for a player like him. If he’s only going to attempt three free throw line jumpers, at least, two have to go in because that will draw his defender out and allow him to get to the rim in one dribble.
The three-point line was a struggle for Miller. He was 2-9 from 3 with his only two makes coming from the left side of the floor (one on the wing, one in the corner).
Melo’s Maturity:
Whether LaMelo Ball accepts reality or not, this is a big season for him. For he needs to stay healthy and right behind that, he needs to mature on the floor.
Opening night had mixed results. On defense, there was too many “beat off the first dribble” possessions because he’s flat-footed and straight up-and-down. That will get you beat on every level of basketball. At some point this season, he needs to be committed on that end of the floor.
On offense, it would be good to see him cap out at 13 attempts in most games. Obviously, that will be dictated by pace and circumstance but the less attempts, the less his poor shot selection comes in play.
Ball finished the night with 15 shot attempts and an impressive 4-8 from three but he didn’t hit either one of his midrange jumpers.
