NBA 2018/19: 3 takeaways from Portland Trail Blazers vs Charlotte Hornets
The Portland Trail Blazers traveled to Charlotte and defeated the Hornets on their home court 118-108. Portland was able to weather the many storms Charlotte threw at them to come out with a double-digit win. Here are some of my thoughts on the game and things each team needs to continue to do moving forward:
Hornets' Bench Production
The Hornets got great contributions from their bench today and they will need that to continue the rest of the season if they want to make the playoffs. The 57 bench points Charlotte got kept them in the game longer than they otherwise should have been.
Jeremy Lamb should be a dark horse candidate for the sixth man of the year and showed why today. He sparked a nice rally for the Hornets early in the game when Portland got up by 15 in the 1st quarter. Lamb had 21 points in the first half but finished with just 23.
Frank Kaminsky and Tony Parker also provided excellent play off the bench for the Hornets who, coming into the game, were ranked seventh in bench scoring. Parker had 14 points and 5 assists in 14 minutes and Kaminsky added 18 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes.
Kemba Walker struggled to get going this game and it was a good sign for the Hornets to see the bench pick him up a little and do a little more of the scoring. Even though the Hornets lost, the bench production needs to continue for them.