RealGM

Hornets, Hawks bring losses and poor defense into contest



The Atlanta Hawks haven’t been very good lately. The Charlotte Hornets have been even worse. So that sets up Friday night’s meeting in Charlotte, N.C., where neither team is likely to be in much of a good mood.

The Hornets were called out for their recent lackluster performances, with coach Steve Clifford pointing squarely at the defense. Hawks coach Nate McMillan had a similar tone regarding his team. It gave up its second-highest point total of the season in Wednesday night’s 135-124 road loss to the Orlando Magic.

If there’s a positive aspect for the Hornets, it could be that one of their seven victories this season came against Atlanta. That was an Oct. 23 road win, with Kelly Oubre Jr. pouring in 24 points.

The Hornets should have a boost with point guard LaMelo Ball back for his second game since his latest injury. He racked up 23 points and 11 assists in his return Wednesday night.

Atlanta has lost five of its past six games, with its coach saying there haven’t been enough connections within the team.

“Urgency, energy, scrappy play is something you have to bring every single night to the floor,” McMillan said. “You can’t wait until you’re busted in the mouth before you respond.”