The Charlotte Hornets secured a victory against the Phoenix Suns, achieving a split in their season series. Despite not playing yesterday, the Hornets benefited from losses by the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, climbing to 8th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Eastern Conference Play-In Implications

Tonight, the Hornets were the only Eastern Conference play-in team in action, presenting an opportunity to gain ground on their competitors. The team is looking to sustain their momentum as the regular season nears its conclusion.

Phoenix Suns' Resurgent Season

The Phoenix Suns have exceeded expectations this season after a period of adjustment following the Kevin Durant era. Key changes, including the addition of players like Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Mark Williams, along with a coaching change from Mike Budenholzer to Jordan Ott, have contributed to their success.

Shift in Offensive Strategy

Under Coach Ott, the Suns have transitioned to a more Pick-and-Roll focused offense, mirroring some of the Hornets’ strategies. This change has resulted in a significant increase in three-point attempts, now ranking 5th in the league. The Hornets experienced this firsthand on March 8th, suffering a 111-99 defeat.

Recap of Previous Matchup

The March 8th loss was fueled by strong performances from Collin Gillespie and rookie Rasheer Fleming, alongside a dominant 30-point, 10-assist double-double from Devin Booker. The Suns were missing Brooks, Williams, and Grayson Allen during that game.

Booker and Gillespie Lead the Suns

Devin Booker and Collin Gillespie orchestrate the Suns’ offense, primarily through Pick-and-Roll plays. Booker excels at passing, efficiency, and drawing fouls, while Gillespie is a threat from beyond the arc. The Hornets struggled to defend similar Pick-and-Roll actions against the Boston Celtics on Sunday and will need to improve in this area.

By Albert Böttcher

Albert Böttcher is a basketball enthusiast from Germany who has been covering the Hornets for On SI since February of 2024. He also works for the media department of the German basketball club Alba Berlin.