Hornets star LaMelo Ball, who scored 37 points in Sunday's win against the Wizards, chats with Charlotte Observer reporter Roderick Boone after the game. By Roderick Boone| Charlotte Observer
Although the Chicago River doesn’t flow near the United Center, there was a confluence of a different sort at the city’s cavernous arena.
Worlds collided and a trio of semi-important happenings took place Tuesday night.
Besides Coby White making his debut for the Charlotte Hornets against his former team and the return of Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate from their four-game suspensions for fighting, there was another small subplot brewing: Collin Sexton squaring off against Charlotte for the first time since he got traded to the Chicago Bulls for White.
And all this while the Hornets were seeking a new franchise record.
Undaunted, courtesy of an easy 131-99 victory, everything is well in Hornets’ land. They’ve catapulted themselves into uncharted territory by capturing an eighth straight road win — a feat that had never been previously accomplished since pro basketball came to the Carolinas in 1988.
“Like you said, everything came together,” Bridges said. “Coby had a great game. We hope the best for Collin, but we had to put the belt on him today. You know we love Collin. He did a lot for us in that short amount of time when he was with us.
“But it’s great, man. We’re just jelling as a team. We’re coming together as a team. And I haven’t seen this from the Hornets since 2022. So, it’s great for us.”
Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets looks on. David Jensen Getty Images
White sure did have a successful debut with 10 points, four assists and three rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench, joining an extremely balanced scoring attack. Factor in Bridges and Diabate taking their respective spots back in the starting lineup, making the Hornets’ game-opening five whole again, and the Hornets (28-31) find themselves in a good spot.
“I think it just continues to give us more depth,” coach Charles Lee said. “I thought a lot of guys contributed while they were out and now looking forward to them kind of reacclimating with the group.
“Offensively, Moussa getting us extra possessions while also being a great pick-and-roll player and lob threat as well. And then Miles just being another ball-handler and creator. It was always nice to have.”
Diabate was indeed his active self, playing volleyball at times inside the paint to give the Hornets’ extra possessions, and also contributed in a big way on defense, recording three blocks and even collecting a pair of steals, including one that led to a fastbreak dunk.
There was little doubt Diabate was glad to be in game action again following the hiatus. He discovered a few things in the process.
“A lot,” he said. “Obviously, you want to be with your brothers, being able to play with them. Yeah, really, obviously it sucks. But it is what it is. Learn from your lesson and just go forward.”
Same sentiment goes for Bridges.
“It all could have been avoided,” Bridges said. After I pushed Jalen Duren, I could have just chilled out and went to Moussa, made sure he was good. You live and you learn. I’m for sure not getting into any more fights — unless I have to. But I’m not getting into any more fights.”
Sexton wasn’t with the Hornets when the fracas broke out but he was a huge catalyst until he got moved for White. He fondly reflected on his time in Charlotte, expressing pride in an ability to adjust and assist in the locker room as well as on and off the court. He built strong relationships with teammates like Bridges, Ball and Brandon Miller, highlighting the meaningful friendships and important mentorship role he developed since being traded to the Hornets in the offseason.
“I feel like I was there to help and I felt like I was able to lead, especially being able to talk to (LaMelo) on a daily basis, and just work out with him and push him as much as I did. I got so much respect for him even before I was on his team. I think it was good.
“Brandon as well, that’s my guy. So being able to play with him and get out there and see him and even just all the other guys — Kon (Knueppel), Miles, seeing Miles take a different role.... So, just been super. It’s cool to see the guys doing well. I will continue to support my guys.”
Lee intends on doing something similar with Sexton.
“Emotional to see him on the other side because he’s a big reason why I think that we’ve taken that next step,” Lee said. “I think he elevated our culture while he was here … . He helped us lay a foundation for what this season needs to be, so super grateful for everything Collin gave to us during his time as a Hornet.”