By G Moniy
HHV Sports Contributing Writer
Not too long ago, the Charlotte Hornets looked forward to playing the Boston Celtics because it was a guaranteed win. Then, the Celtics traded for Isaiah Thomas and Boston always beats the Hornets. But, believe it or not, Charlotte is capable of beating this team.
Last season, the Hornets pretty much gave away two of their home losses to the Celtics. The same type of situation happened, earlier this season. Circumstances have changed now and the Charlotte Hornets have to step it back up.
What’s happening with the Hornets isn’t any different from what happened last season. Actually, this season’s slide isn’t as bad as the one last year. The problem is that there is an expected losing streak happening each season, but the silver lining is that it ended on MLK Day.
At 18-22, after a 14-8 start, Charlotte looked like they were out of the playoff race, but they turned it back on, behind a franchise-record 52 points from Kemba Walker. That game was the first in a turnaround that put them at 48-34, their best record in too many years to count. What needs to happen is Kemba Walker doing something similar and it needs to happen against Boston.
Watching the games, it’s clear that Charlotte can keep beating up on Boston, but they just don’t do it. A monster game from Kemba, along with solid bench play would accomplish that feat. Of course, it is easier said that done, because the Celtics are proving they aren’t punks out here and Isaiah Thomas is proving to be one of the best players in the league.
Isaiah Thomas’ journey to the Celtics and his success is comparable to Jason Kidd. Both players were traded from the Phoenix Suns to a struggling Eastern Conference team. However, Thomas hasn’t been to the NBA Finals and probably won’t this season, but it doesn’t take away from his MVP-level play.
Just remember, Charlotte’s got a great player, too, Kemba Walker, but he needs to remember that.
Follow G Moniy on Twitter @G_Moniy.
