Al Jefferson was back as part of the Hornets’ win in the 105-80 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That is good news, and it seems that Kemba Walker will be back as soon as well. Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Hornets are now trying to hold to on to those adjustments that they began when Jefferson was out.
Those adjustments include bringing the ball up faster. Coach Steve Clifford pointed out that the goal was to emulate the San Antonio Spurs in getting early offense opportunities before defenses could get set. The Spurs are the defending champs and the first place team in the East is the Atlanta Hawks, who are coached by former Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer. Both teams use this principle. Seems to be working.
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Really this idea is the secondary break, an old familiar face to North Carolina Tar Heel fans. The secondary break is the idea that you get offense going, regardless of whether there was a fast break or not, quick before a defense can set up for you. With the Hornets’ lack of shooters, it is important to break defenses early rather than shoot over them late.
The early offensive start has yielded a 6-3 record during Al Jefferson’s absence. The Hornets have benefited from a weaker schedule during that time. It is fair to say that the next phase in the Hornets’ season starts now. If there is to be a playoff push, then it needs to start quickly.
The Charlotte Hornets (17-25) play the Miami Heat (18-23) tonight. The Heat are a team that currently sit above the Hornets in the standings. The Hornets need to find a way to win this game. The teams have split the series (1-1) so far this year.