Feb 3, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday night in Cleveland, two teams that had just about the most dismal outcomes in their last games will get an opportunity to put things right.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (43-28), who suffered a 121-84 road loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday night, will host the Charlotte Hornets upon their arrival. Cleveland lost its third straight game and its fourth in five after falling down by 45 points in the fourth quarter.
“We’re worn (out),” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of the team’s condition. “It’s on us all to figure it out. There’s no excuses. It doesn’t get any easier.”
Well, actually it might — the Hornets are up next for the first matchup of the season.
Charlotte (17-53) has played only one game in a five-day span, falling 132-91 on Saturday night at Atlanta.
Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, who often provides a positive message even during a season filled with setbacks, responded sharply to that performance.
“Our intensity dropped off as soon as we started subbing, and we never really got it back,” Clifford remarked. That was a rather bad attempt. We really didn’t try that hard, especially for a team that has played hard all season. We won’t be able to carry that out.
That could have played a part in the Hawks making 20 3-pointers.
Clifford offered mostly positive remarks to Miles Bridges, the starting forward for the Hornets. On his way to 27 points, he made 11 of his 19 field goals.
