Recap/Analysis: Bridges and Micic lead Hornets to win over Grizzlies – At The Hive

Miles Bridges scored 27 while Vasilije Micic scored a career high 25 to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a win over the Grizzlies, 110-98.

The Summary

The Hornets jumped out to an early lead thanks to sloppy Grizzlies basketball and buckets from Vasilije Micic, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller. The former two combined for 19 of the Hornets 31 first quarter points. On the defensive side of the floor, the Hornets clamped up the undertalented Grizzlies. Several possessions ended with desperation heaves at the basket, air balls, and shot clock violations.

Tre Mann opened the second quarter scoring with his second difficult bucket in the paint. That was the only good thing the Hornets did for a while. They committed five turnovers in the first three and a half minutes of the quarter and let the Grizzlies score 10 straight points to make it a ballgame again. Somehow among all the turnovers (the Hornets committed nine in the second quarter alone), Vasilije Micic found the confidence throw a half court lob to Miles Bridges.

Half-court lob to Bridges‼️@SharonviewFCU // #MemorableMoments pic.twitter.com/kJglqDOZgj

— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) March 14, 2024

They steadied the ship with Micic and Bridges on the floor again. The Grizzlies took a turn playing sloppy basketball, and the breakdowns helped the Hornets out to a 15 point lead late in the half. That lead was trimmed to ten by intermission.

A lackadaisical start to the second half let the Grizzlies make the game competitive again. Miles Bridges tried to take it upon himself to bring some energy.

MY GOODNESS MILES BRIDGES 👀 pic.twitter.com/LQFqb4wpri

— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) March 14, 2024

The Grizzlies still hung around as the Hornets still struggled with turnovers, but the Hornets eventually put together a small run to get their halftime lead back despite the best efforts of GG Jackson. The B plot to the game reached a climax late in the third quarter. The Hornets were set to go to the line for their first free throws of the game after a loose ball foul on a defensive rebound, but Taylor Jenkins would have none of it. He challenged the call and won it. The third quarter ended with the Hornets up by 10 with zero free throws attempted.

While Ashley ShahAhmadi was talking about Miles Brdiges’ hype speech before the fourth quarter, Brandon Miller pinned a would-be fast break layup against the glass. The Hornets finally earned their first free throw a couple of minutes later on an and-1 by Tre Mann, but he missed it. Nick Richards got his own crack at it on the next possession and finally made the Hornets first free throw at the 9:44 mark of the fourth quarter. The free throws came fast and furious as the Grizzlies repeatedly fouled them as they made layups. The Grizzlies threatened to make a run, but Micic’s fifth three of the night quelled that. The teams traded points the rest of the way, and the Hornets were more than content to let that happen.

The Good

It was good to see Vasilije Micic find his outside shot. It seems like his confidence has waxed and waned since he’s been here, and he definitely had in this game. He made 5-of-6 threes and complemented that with a few good straight line drives and a lot of assists.

Miles Bridges dominated the first three quarters. He took a backseat in the fourth quarter, but he had already did enough damage prior to it. He finished with 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He’s had some nights recently where he’s forced the issue a little too much, but he did a much better job picking his spots tonight.

Aleksej Pokusevski had a solid game. He scored all nine of his points in the first half and showed his potential both popping and rolling out of ball screens. He was disruptive defensively as well. He was credited with two blocks and a steal, but he influenced more shots than that.

Grant Williams ended the game as the Hornets third leading scorer with 18 points. He scored 15 of those in the fourth quarter, but it was somehow the quietest 15 point quarter of all time. But he needs a shoutout for putting together a good game.

The Bad

The Hornets played down to the level of their competition when it came to taking care of the ball. They turned the ball over 20 times, and a lot of those were more carelessness than good Grizzlies defense. They cleaned it up in the second half, but a better team would have run away with a game facing the same level of sloppiness.

Micic might have stolen Davis Bertans’ secret stuff. Bertans has been deadeye since arriving in Charlotte, but he was 1-of-9 from three against the Grizzlies.

What’s Next

The Hornets return home to face off against the Suns and whichever combination of their big three they decide to trot out there on Friday.