The Charlotte Hornets enter their next game following some internal drama.
New center Naz Reid was benched during Wednesday night’s 97-89 setback at Detroit. He’ll be under the microscope Friday night when the Hornets visit the Washington Wizards.
“Naz didn’t meet our standards in the first half, and at halftime we made the decision that he wouldn’t play in the second half,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said. “But I look forward to him meeting those standards come next game.”
Charlotte went from a seven-point halftime lead to a double-digit deficit early in the fourth quarter in Detroit. Reid, who’s in his first season with the Hornets, had seven points and six rebounds in 13 first-half minutes.
The Hornets and Wizards will meet for the second time this week. Brandon Miller scored a career-high 39 points when the Hornets won 110-103 on Monday night at home. Reid had 18 points and 12 rebounds in that game.
The Wizards will have a new look as rookie AJ Dybantsa makes his home debut.
When Washington lost 121-111 at Cleveland on Wednesday, six Wizards reached double-figure point totals, led by Dybantsa’s 19 in his NBA debut coming off a preseason injury. He shot 8-for-12 from the field.
“You saw his ability to get to the basket,” Washington coach Brian Keefe said. “His ability to make the simple reads. Great passing from him. I thought his defensive activity was terrific. Pretty impressive for a first game.”
Dybantsa’s presence might have helped Kyshawn George’s distributing role as he reached a double-digit mark in assists for the first time in his career with 11.
Since Dybantsa sat out the first matchup with the Hornets, there’s already a new element to Washington’s rotation for the rematch.
“Obviously we’re a new team learning,” Keefe said. “Good for us to be in those situations (in Cleveland). We can take a look at the film and really grow from it.”
When the Hornets lost at Detroit on Wednesday night, they couldn’t generate enough offense other than Miller’s 31 points.
“Obviously, my teammates trust me,” Miller said. “They fight for me every night. Just having their backs on the offensive side and doing what I can on the defensive side.”
Lee was complimentary of the team’s defense overall but referred to too many mistakes on offense as too much to overcome.
“Too many costly turnovers or just slow possessions,” Lee said.
Lee said he liked the defensive pressure on Cade Cunningham despite his 30 points for the Pistons. He also pointed to some elements that can carry over to success in road games.
“I just loved the physical spirit and fight of the group on the road and they banded together,” Lee said.
Anthony Davis racked up 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards in Monday’s clash with the Hornets.
The Wizards won’t have forward Justin Champagnie available. He underwent surgery on his right foot after sustaining a fracture during Monday’s game in Charlotte.
Charlotte will be aiming for its sixth consecutive victory in the series Washington.
–Field Level Media
