The Charlotte Hornets have coined the nickname Buzz City for their home, but rookie forward Miles Bridges might create a new one if he keeps throwing down thunderous dunks. The Hornets rode a second half surge to beat the Boston Celtics 104-97 in the Dean Smith Center at the University of North Carolina tonight.
Bridges knocked down a fourth-quarter 3-pointer to knot the game up. He also slammed home a pair of putbacks that filled his team with energy down the stretch. Tonight, Buzz City looked more like Punch City.
“Miles has crazy bounce. We were talking about it in the locker room. I don't know anybody that can jump like that,” said rookie point guard Devonte' Graham.
Just in case you missed out, here's what it looks like when Bridges attacks the rim.
Bridges finished with 10 points and eight rebounds on the night. The two 3-pointers he hit were surprising, considering that long-range shooting was thought to be a weakness of his entering the league. Earlier this week at training camp, he said that losing 20 pounds this summer really helped him maximize his explosiveness. Hornets veterans already know not to get in his way during practice.
“I've been watching him jump for the past couple of weeks. I know well enough now to get out of the way when he's out of the way when he's around the basket,” said Hornets forward Marvin Williams.
Miles Bridges makes sure he stuffs the ball through with reckless abandon any chance he gets. When he decided to forgo the 2017 NBA draft, many questioned him. Bridges said he wanted to build maturity, and it looks like it worked. The 6-foot-7 swingman has continued to show more athleticism as the regular season approaches.
All-Star Weekend will be in Charlotte this year. Bridges will likely showcase his showstopping slams this season and be a top candidate to compete in this year's dunk contest. The hive will be buzzing all year about the chance to see Bridges punch the lights out.
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