The Charlotte Hornets steamrolled past the Houston Rockets, 123-99 on Monday. It was the Hornets' first game back at Spectrum Center in two weeks after going 2-4 on their west coast road trip. It was a much-needed win and they definitely got a boost from their home fans.
Oh yeah, Terry Rozier looked like he finally found his shooting stroke again after flaming out the Rockets with 27 points in 27 minutes. If you've been keeping up with the Hornets this season, you know it has been a pretty up and down year for Rozier on both sides of the ball.
Still, his teammates and coaches always have confidence that he'll get in a groove soon. Just ask James Borrego.
“He’s finding his rhythm right now. I think this is a step forward for him. It’s great to see Terry a couple games back to back with high production, 27 points in 27 minutes, so we need that from T-Ro. It started with his defense. The way he set the tone for us defensively. Obviously he’s a big shot maker and we trust him. I believe he’ll continue down this path the rest of the season,” said Borrego.
The Hornets tactician knows what Rozier is capable of after having a lot of success with him last season. Hell, even the opposition knows. Rozier was one of the league’s best scorers in the clutch last season and put opponents on notice. However, no one has been harder on Rozier than himself, as he talked about his play on the defensive end.
“Honestly, my defense hasn't been there all year, as far as effort. And I'll be the first one to say you gotta look yourself in the mirror. My coaches have challenged me, saying I gotta pick it up. So that's been an emphasis for me. I know my offense will be fine. I'm just trying to control what I can on the defensive end,” admitted Rozier.
Rozier also gave an honest assessment of his offensive struggles this season.
“Eighty percent of shooting is confidence. The other 20 is having the skill to make it. Everyone’s shot mechanics are different though. But if I don’t have the confidence, I might as well not even shoot it. That’s what the difference is, just my confidence. It gonna stay high. I just gotta know I’m one of the best shooters in the league. So I just gotta let it go,” said Rozier.
As long as he keeps getting up shots, Hornets fans should feel just as confident in Rozier's ability to get a bucket. Of course, the homecourt advantage has to help.
Against the Rockets, Mason Plumlee may have benefited the most from the crowd's energy after going a perfect 7-of-7 from the field.
“It's great to have a home game and have support from the fans. Them coming out for this was really cool,” said Plumlee.
Not to mention that the Hornets were able to hold a team to less than 100 points. Even if it was the Rockets, it's still tough to do in the NBA.
The Hornets have now won two straight games and have a chance to extend that against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Hopefully, Rozier and company can recreate their top-notch performance.
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