PJ Washington leads Charlotte Hornets record-breaking win
1. Embracing the 3-pointer
Since James Borrego took over as head coach, he has pushed for more 3-point shots. In the final three seasons under Steve Clifford, the Hornets averaged 2,330 3-point attempts per season. Borrego’s team in 2018-19 attempted 2,783 shots beyond the arc, making 977 of them.
Both of those marks were top-11 numbers in the NBA last season and Borrego has shown the same mentality already in the team’s season opener.
Not only did PJ Washington shoot 7-for-11 from beyond the arc in the season opener, but the team attempted 44 3-pointers during the game, making 23 of them, another record for the Hornets in a regulation game.
more hornets. Expectations for PJ Washington. light
So in addition to Washington’s record-setting performance, plenty of others got in on the 3-point shooting as well. Devonte’ Graham hit two key 3-pointers to push the Hornets back to the lead near the end of the game, finishing his 23-point performance with 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
Dwayne Bacon hit 22 points despite shooting just 2-of-8 from 3-point range. Marvin Williams was on fire from 3-point range, hitting 5-of-7 attempts to get to his 17 points. Malik Monk and Terry Rozier also made two 3-pointers each.
Some of those 3-pointers came on some great ball movement, whether it was around the horn or players like Cody Zeller driving deep into the lane and dishing out to one of the many perimeter players the Hornets have. Borrego’s big arsenal of wings should allow for a lot of different looks to get the ball to his perimeter shooters all season long.
It’s just a one-game sample size, but based on his usage of the 3-point shot in his first season with the Hornets, I would expect more of the same. Borrego took Kemba Walker and turned him into a deadly 3-point shooter; he can do the same with this season’s version of the Charlotte Hornets.
Next. Best Hall of Famer from each franchise. dark
This team will live and die by the 3-pointer as well as their youth, but if it all comes together quickly, the Hornets won’t be an easy team for any opponent to put away.