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The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings on Thursday at home, and head coach James Borrego says the team's second unit is a big reason why the club was able to come away with a win versus the feisty Kings.
The Hornets beat the Kings by a final score of 114-95. Charlotte All-Star point guard Kemba Walker led the way with 23 points, but it was the play of the bench which really stood out to James Borrego.
"I thought the [bench] was making some progress since the last Sacramento game… The bench takes ownership and if we have a lead, they have a responsibility to extend that lead or get us back in the game." – Coach Borrego
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 18, 2019
Four players scored in double-figures off the Hornets' bench to help Charlotte improve to 21-23 on the season and 15-8 at home.
Rookie forward Miles Bridges scored 15 points in 22 minutes, swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist registered 15 points in 30 minutes, veteran point guard Tony Parker notched 14 points and six assists in 18 minutes, and big man Willy Hernangomez tallied 11 points and 16 rebounds in 26 minutes.
That's the type of bench production the Hornets need on a nightly basis if they want to make the playoffs this year. Parker and Kidd-Gilchrist have been starters before, so they should have the upper advantage against opposing bench players. Bridges has shown that he is mature for his age and has a competitive spirit and athleticism to just outwork people.
Hernangomez has always had low post skills to be an effective bench scorer and rebounder. The 24-year-old just needs more minutes and consistency.
