Hornets have lost 7 straight but think trip to Paris vs. Bucks can turn season around
When your team has lost seven in a row and is facing the NBA’s top team a continent away in four days, it’s best to try and remain optimistic.
That was coach James Borrego’s take Monday after the Charlotte Hornets lost 106-83 to the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center. It was a season-long seventh consecutive loss for the Hornets, who now face the prospect of facing the Milwaukee Bucks and their league-best record on Friday in Paris’ AccorHotels Arena.
“I think it will be good for us,” Borrego said of the trip to France. “Just to get on the road, to bond together, to experience something new. A new culture, new environment. I know that place will be loud and excited and will be a great environment. I’m excited to get on the road with these guys and experience this for the first time.”
The Hornets (15-30) have plenty to work on before they face the Bucks (39-6), and, despite having four days to prepare, won’t have much time to do it. The team departs Tuesday morning and Borrego said there will be time for a few practices, as well as NBA-mandated community appearances.
Borrego was critical of the Hornets’ lack of urgency against Orlando on Monday. Charlotte led by eight points entering the second quarter, only to be outscored 14-1 to start the period. The Hornets couldn’t recover from that lackadaisical stretch.
“It’s a mindset and experience, and time out there on the court,” said Hornets guard Malik Monk, who scored 20 against the Magic. “We are a young team so we are going to get better and watch film when we get to Paris and just learn from it.”
Lengthy road trips are a way of life in the NBA. But going to a far-off foreign country is something different, even if it is just for one game. Despite the losing streak and the powerful Bucks on the horizon, Borrego insists a unique chance awaits.
“I want this to be special for our guys,” Borrego said. “This is a great opportunity to grow as a team, to be away, bunkered in together in a new country, new city.
“I want that to carry us through the rest of the season, for us to bond and connect. Especially at this point of the season — the dog days of the NBA as some people would refer to it. It will be a great time to breathe and enjoy each other and get to know each other on a deeper level. It could really set the tone for us for the rest of the season.”
Said guard Terry Rozier: “The most key thing is for us to go as one group. It’s going to be a tough (game) down there. But it will be a lot of fun. Not a lot of people get to go to Paris, let alone play in Paris. So we’re blessed.”