The Hornets further demoralized the Bulls

We saw that it was as big as a home retreat from the Bulls who are still in a small crisis on the floor of Charlotte, one of the dunces of the league, having won only five games at home this season, until last night.

Although the Bulls were able to take an 8-point lead at the break that was almost unforced, at the end of the DeRozan-LaVine-Vucevic trio (47-55), Charlotte actually managed to turn the tide. Mason Plumlee and Gordon Hayward’s dunks put some balm in the hearts of the locals, but it was Terry Rozier’s layup that changed the course of the game.

On three occasions, the back was able to force a turnover from the opposing carrier to buy an easy basket. While the Hornets trailed by ten points (61-71), this repeated exploit allowed Terry Rozier to score three times to tie the game at 71-71 and contributed to a 12-0 run to put his team in the head (73-71)!

Another match had just begun and Steve Clifford’s troops had every chance to go all the way this time. Mark Williams brought his rock to the building by lining up two dunks and a tap to put his team in the lead (83-81). But 3-pointers from LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier allowed Charlotte to lose a big gap for the first time in the match (100-90).

Zach LaVine tried to show his teeth with two authoritative drives, but Chicago ended up sinking before the “Mason Plumlee show”. The Hornets pivot actually played Nikola Vucevic twice, once in the bottom circle then in a memorable sequence where the pivot chained two dribbles between the legs before putting in a basket midway through his mechanics to say the least singular (106-94).

Mason Plumlee ended his festival by scoring two free throws that sealed the victory for the Hornets, 111 to 96. For their part, the Bulls are now outside the Top 10 in the East.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

– From shadow to light. The Hornets are headed for another lackluster game after a dismal second quarter. In 12 minutes, Charlotte chained an improbable 0/10 from distance. In the same style, Terry Rozier dropped zero points after planting 14 points in the first quarter. And then the locals showed a completely different face after the break, which allowed them to turn the tide of the game and walk away with victory.

– Mason Plumlee received 20/20. As is de rigueur at the end of the announcement of the incumbents in the All Star Game, each coach will come to put a note in favor of his “go-to-guy” when it is forgotten. In a joking tone, Steve Clifford can put one down for his pivot that pulled out all the stops last night. On top of his near-perfect matchup, Mason Plumlee has been the most effective player in 20 straight games… in NBA history, at 76.1% success (127/166)! A little far, but still classy!

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Terry Rosier. The player whose breakout came in the third quarter with his three blocks brought quick baskets and breathed new air into his ranks. A game leader like him has done too little this season.

✅ Mason Plumlee. The evening’s X factor, although its contribution is now regular. A “perfect” 9/9 in shooting, key late baskets and the 19th double-double victory of the season. A good night for him!

⛔️ Nikola Vucevic. The Montenegrin wasn’t really in the game, aside from getting souped up by Mason Plumlee. An 0/6 from 3-point range punctuated by an airball finale that stunned lively commentator Eric Collins when his attempt went wide of the target… A game he will soon forget.

⛔️ The clumsiness of the Bulls. If the Hornets did not really shine in their address, that of the Bulls was very weak, as was the performance of Nikola Vucevic. Upon arrival, we fell into a hideous 4/25. ” Put on your helmets! as Eric Collins’ model would have said.

THE FOLLOWING

Charlotte (14-36) : A 100% Floridian duel will be seen for the Hornets who will host Miami this Sunday (7:00 pm).

Chicago (22-26): the Bulls also stay in Florida to challenge Orlando this Saturday night (01:00).