I Told you... Mark Williams Deserves an Apology. Oklahoma City Thunder (15-20) Vs Charlotte Hornets (10-26)
Mark Williams deserves an apology from the fanbase, Duren fans, and the media. Hornets beat Thunder 113-121.
I told you! I believed in Mark Williams even when a good portion of the fanbase was against him. Many fans were saying that Duren was the better player/pick who is averaging 7 and 8 in 24 minutes this season who we traded to the Pistons for a couple picks for the future. Duren actually is killing it this year last night against the Magic Duren even grabbed 18 Rebounds. But with a little bit of development in the G-League and a opportunity that probably would not have come without an injury Williams has taken the opportunity and has ran with it. So to all the people who were against the Williams trade look at you now I expect Williams to continue to prove our fans wrong just like the Knicks fan base was wrong about Kristaps Porzingis in 2015.
Mark Williams:
Mark Williams against the Oklahoma City Thunder became the first rookie in NBA history to have at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks on 100% shooting, and the fifth player in NBA history to accomplish the stat line. Williams in just 21 minutes put up 17 points on 7-7 shooting and 3-5 from the free throw line, 13 rebounds 4 of which were offensive rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. I know it was against a undersized Thunder team against a 2nd round rookie in Jaylin Williams and Mike Muscala. Now Williams handled Muscala who is a very capable stretch big in his own right who has previously played for the Hawks, 76ers, and the Lakers, Williams was able with his length to be able to play inside at the top of the key and also be able to get out to contest a shot if it came Muscala’s way limiting him to 3 points on 1-5 shooting. This performance has shown that Williams has the talent to at least be in the rotation and is starting to make a case for the starting role. He plays the PNR better than Plumlee, is more efficient and has better post moves than Plumlee, and doesn’t make silly foul’s I think the Hornets have found their guy at center, the question is are they going to utilize him? Right now the Hornets have a surplus of centers it is going to be difficult to play 3 centers in a NBA game so most likely someone will be benched or someone will be traded it should be interesting to see that the Hornets front office decides to do.
Key Takeaways From the Game:
P.J. Washington after a bad offensive performance last game against the warriors P.J. Washington had a bounce back game scoring 25 points with a 3 to seal the game after it looked like he injured his ankle a little bit before the play. Washington shot 10-13 on the night 2-3 from three point land and if P.J. can be consistent from three that will really open up this offense. P.J. was once again very good on defense in this game he has continued to be the team’s top defender and shot blocker besides now Mark Williams.
Gordon Hayward had a bad shooting night shooting just 40% from the court and missing all of his three point attempts, but he made up for it by setting up his teammates with assists especially on the inside and helping with drive and kickout opportunities. Hayward on the night scored 10 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and a team best +15 plus/minus rating. If hayward can shoot better maybe 14-16 points 45-50% field goal efficiency you could look at the Hornets winning a few more games in the near future.
Terry Rozier is playing terrible… It is getting really bad. Rozier’s offensive efficiency has taken a nosedive this season, in 34 minutes Rozier shot 3-11, 0-5 from deep only scoring 10 points, but also had 7 assists but could have had more if he found Williams in the PNR. Williams was wide open many times while rolling to the basket. 4 rebounds, and 3 turnovers Rozier needs to find his stride because at this rate he might be destined for the bench running with a Ball, Oubre, Hayward, Washington, Plumlee (for now).
Jalen McDaniels deserves to be talked about from last night 2-3 form three best three point percentage on the team from last nights game McDaniels was 5-7 on his shots 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block I need to see more of this Jalen MORE PLEASE.
LaMelo Ball are we surprised? he almost set the franchise record with the most triple double by a Hornet player in franchise history last night 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Now Ball has been slightly struggling shooting wise by his standards the last few games. But in this game he went 9-15 from the court, and 5-10 on three point attempts. He is the heart and bloodline of what we call Charlotte Hornets basketball this season. I will say Melo didn’t have the best defensive game but that is what Melo is right now especially with a team were the entire offense is Melo because our vets cannot make a shot to save their life.
Mason Plumlee, Mark Williams, and Nick Richards this is a dilemma… Not enough minute in a NBA game to play three centers in 48 minutes someone either is going to be benched or someone is going to be traded.. something has to give, i’m leaning towards sitting or trading Mason Plumlee we all know what we are getting out of Plum your going to get a passing big who can get rebounds and score around the rim but cannot shoot. The season is shot. Develop the young guys give Nick the start to start out but let Williams get 20-24 minutes per game but i’m sure the front office will somehow do the exact opposite of what should be done.
Mark Williams has great touch for a 7 footer. He’s going to be able to stretch the floor in the future. Showing the full package tonight.Thank you for checking out today’s newsletter on Everything Buzz City subscribe to be the first to read after tomorrows game against the Nets.