Charlotte Hornets: 5 Reasons Behind Promising Start

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Nov 11, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward center Al Jefferson (25) looks to pass against New York Knoicks center Robin Lopez (8) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Upgraded Offense

We’ve hinted at Charlotte’s vastly improved offense a few times, but it really deserves its own spot on this list. Last season, the Hornets put up 97.6 points per 100 possessions, ranking them as the league’s third worst offense.

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Thanks to Clifford’s revamped system and improved personnel, the Hornets have taken huge strides on that end of the floor, averaging 103.9 points per 100 possessions — the third best mark in the league to this point. They rank just outside the top 10 in field goal and three-point percentage and when paired with their surprisingly solid defense, they’ve been able to string wins together.

It’s worth noting that despite their slow start to the season, the Hornets are committing the fewest turnovers per game (12.3) in the NBA. It’s also worth remembering their only losses this year have come to the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks (twice), San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors — all very good teams so far.

MKG was a huge boost to the Hornets’ defense last year, but replacing him with Batum and Lamb on the wing has provided the Hornets with far more spacing on offense, especially now that opposing defenses have to worry about actually covering Walker on the perimeter.

Even the perimeter threats that Spencer Hawes and Frank Kaminsky provide have helped in that regard, allowing Charlotte to turn last year’s bottom five offense into a top-five unit.

Next: No. 1

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