Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford praised rookie Nick Smith Jr.’s confidence/work ethic following Saturday’s 102-95 home loss vs. the Denver Nuggets (career-high 19 points, 3 rebounds, six made field goals, five made threes, and two made free throws).
(via Charlotte Hornets):
Reporter: “Nick [Smith Jr.] and his efficient night, how much of a springboard of confidence can it be for him going into the holiday and then the six game road trip when you guys come out of it?”
Clifford: “He’s confident anyway, he doesn’t need a big boost. But he’s one of the first guys in the gym, he’s a hard worker, he’s a very committed player. Hopefully this can be the beginning of something for him.”
