Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee highlighted the team’s depth and defensive activity after Tuesday’s 117-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center.
“Some guys were really impactful… Grant, Josh, Sion… they gave us really big minutes,” Lee said, noting contributions from the bench that helped sustain the lead.
He credited starters for early execution, saying, “Brandon had a really good first quarter. Melo helped keep us steady at a lot of times and was able to execute some lobs.”
Lee emphasized the team’s commitment to defensive pressure: “Being in the right spots is half the battle, but what are you doing to deter people from taking that extra dribble? How are you fanning out with active hands? That activity is obviously with your legs and with your hands.”
He praised Brandon Miller’s aggressiveness at the rim, stating, “He is such an elite, dynamic scorer. You use their physicality against them… When he’s decisive, plays through contact, he’s elite.”
The coach also reflected on reaching 500 career wins: “It’s a testament to the hard work these guys are putting in every day… We’re seeing the fruits of our labor and getting contributions from a lot of different guys.”
Lee highlighted how defensive energy fuels offense: “Josh Green, LaMelo Ball, getting their hands in the passing lanes… that’s part of our Hornets DNA. The players covering for each other creates opportunities when something breaks down.”
He noted the importance of managing young players in late-game situations: “Until you get to a spot with enough cushion, sometimes you have one starter out there… a younger guy has a little more juice in the tank, and that’s how it works out.”
The coach also praised player execution in complex plays: “As well as a play as you can draw up, they have to feel the timing… They’re communicating and playing the game, being basketball players. A ton of it is on them.”
Charlotte improved to 31-31 with the victory, fueled by Brandon Miller’s 17 points and LaMelo Ball’s 15 points and nine assists. The Hornets’ bench went 12-of-21 from three-point range, with Grant Williams, Josh Green, Sion James, and Pat Connaughton contributing.
Dallas struggled offensively, shooting just 3-of-22 from beyond the arc and finishing with 90 points. The Hornets held the Mavericks under 100 points for the second straight game, outscoring them in every quarter.
Up next, Charlotte will visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, aiming to extend their five-game winning streak.
