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Hornets Stick With Winning Formula, Starting Five Remains The Same
Dynamic Duo Bridges and Ball Lead the Charge Again
The Charlotte Hornets are rolling with the same starting five that helped them secure a playoff berth last season. The lineup features LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, two of the league's most exciting young players. Ball, the reigning Rookie of the Year, is a dynamic point guard who can score, pass, and rebound. Bridges is a versatile forward who can play both inside and out. He is one of the league's best dunkers and is known for his high-flying acrobatics.
Consistency and Chemistry Key to Success
The Hornets have been one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference over the past two seasons. They have finished with a record of 43-39 in each of the past two years. The team's success has been built on the strong play of their starting five. Ball and Bridges have been the team's leaders, but they have also received solid contributions from Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and PJ Washington.
The Hornets are hoping that their continuity will help them take the next step this season. They believe that they have the talent to compete for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. If they can stay healthy and continue to play together as a team, they have a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Key Stats and Analysis
* The Hornets were 29-12 last season when Ball, Bridges, Rozier, Hayward, and Washington started together.
* The Hornets had a net rating of +6.9 with that starting lineup, which was the fifth-best in the league.
* Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game last season.
* Bridges averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season.
* The Hornets are one of only four teams in the Eastern Conference to return their entire starting lineup from last season.
Conclusion
The Hornets are confident that they have the right pieces in place to succeed this season. They have a young, talented starting five that is led by two of the league's most exciting players. If they can stay healthy and continue to play together as a team, they have a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.