Hornets finding confidence as play-in push takes shape

The Hornets remain on the outside of the Eastern Conference play-in picture, but they no longer look like a team going quietly.

Charlotte is 10-20 after Tuesday’s win over Washington and has gone 6-6 over its past 12 games, a stretch that has helped stabilize a season that once felt like it was slipping away.

The Hornets sit two games behind Milwaukee and four and a half back of Chicago in the race for the final play-in spot, and internally, there’s growing belief they can make things interesting.

Coach Charles Lee pointed to defense as the biggest reason for the uptick.

“I think some of it’s our defensive intensity,” Lee said, via Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “I feel like our defense continues to get better. The games that we win, our defensive rating is usually in a really good spot.”

Lee also credited better ball movement and execution on the offensive end.

“Ever since the game at Brooklyn, we’ve done a much better job of trusting the pass,” he said. “Our pace has been better. Guys are getting out of screens. Our execution in the half court and early offense has been really good.”

Tuesday also marked the return of Collin Sexton, who came off the bench after missing nearly three weeks with a left quadriceps strain. Sexton scored 12 points in 16 minutes and provided an immediate jolt.

“He just never stops,” Lee said. “Defensively and offensively, he’s always thinking about how he can be impactful every possession. I loved the boost he gave us, especially from a competitiveness standpoint.”

The Hornets still have ground to make up. But after surviving early injuries and rediscovering their defensive edge, they’re starting to believe again.