HORNETS vs. Rockets 02/04/2020

Article by Contributor David Houston

The Hornets played like they were trying to get Rockets' coach Mike D'antoni fired. They definitely killed his new "small ball" strategy he seems like he was trying to embrace. A 34-22 dominant first quarter by the Hornets stopped that nonsense.

Playing the second half of a back to back on the road against a notably superior team that had the previous night off spelled defeat but the Bugs went down fighting, the score was tied at 103 nearly midway through the fourth and that's considerable since everyone knows when you play the Rockets, you're not only playing one of the best scorers in the league but also the refs.

Strong performance by Miles Bridges-20pts (8-17, but only 1-7 from 3), 15 rebounds and steal and a block. The Rockets trying to go small benefitted every Hornet big in some way. Getting his first start (I think), Cody Martin looked solid with 12pts (5-9, 2-4 from 3) and 5 rebounds. He also had 3 turnovers and his face lost a fight with Cody Zeller's elbow in the fourth.

Devante Graham had another slow start but strong finish scoring 10 of his 16pts in the fourth. He also had 10 assists with only 2TO.

Terry Rozier had a good game with 20pts (5-12, 3-7 from 3), 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Malik Monk got some shine on his birthday with 19pts (8-13, 2-3 from 3) with 6 rebounds.

With the bigs eating some, PJ Washington Jr and Willy Hernangomez both had solid games off the bench.

Washington with 8pts and 6 rebounds.

Hernangomez with 10pts and 8 rebounds.

The Hornets continued the trend of very entertaining basketball in a loss.