The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards have plenty in common in trying to build better results after a string of losing seasons.
They’ll meet Sunday night in the nation’s capital for the Wizards’ home opener, with each side hoping there are more signs of breakthroughs.
Washington is fresh off Friday night’s 117-107 victory at Dallas, when forward Kyshawn George had a personal outing worth remembering.
The Hornets failed to protect an 11-point lead in their season’s road debut Saturday night, a 125-121 loss at Philadelphia preventing them from a 2-0 start after winning their opener a few nights earlier.
The main reason the Wizards did win their second game was George’s career-high 34 points in the Dallas game.
“I’m looking forward to keep stacking those days,” George said.
While he appreciated George’s scoring, Washington coach Brian Keefe saw much more from his second-year forward.
“I think he ended up with three blocks himself, two steals, his activity guarding a guy that’s a lot bigger than him, and obviously the shot making and playmaking was impressive,” Keefe said. “But this guy’s put in a lot of time. He’s grown.”
George said the Wizards have shown the ability in the first week of bouncing back from rough stretches in games.
“Just trusting our work,” George said.
The Hornets had enough awkward moments down the stretch that they lost in Philadelphia despite 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists from guard LaMelo Ball.
“He’s really trying to bring the rest of the group along with him and he understands in order to do that, he has to play great defense because he sets a tone, but then he also has to play with the pass,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said.
Washington’s switching defense made a difference against the Mavericks, so more of that might be expected.
“I know I can still make an impact on defense,” Wizards guard Tre Johnson III said. “It’s all about effort and want-to.”
The Wizards are hoping that attitude spreads.
“We have guys that love to work,” Keefe said. “We have a lot of guys who do that. That’s why this team is a fun group to coach because they want to put the time in. Kyshawn is right at the top there.”
The Wizards have shown lineup versatility, with the second unit providing good moments in the Dallas game. They’ve used 11 players.
“We have some depth on our team,” Keefe said.
Charlotte is bound to have rotation changes Sunday night after swingman Brandon Miller left Saturday’s game with a sore shoulder.
Earlier, the Hornets made a lineup change in their second game of the season, going with Collin Sexton with the starting unit and using Kon Knueppel off the bench. Both players logged 30 minutes.
Charlotte rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner had an encouraging matchup with 76ers star Joel Embiid, scoring 14 points on 7-for-7 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds compared to Embiid’s two boards — though Embiid had 20 points. Kalkbrenner received endorsements from teammates.
“We’re with you,” Sexton said of his message for the big man. “If you foul out, you foul out, but we’re going to continue to be your brother and continue to uplift you.”
