Miles Bridges hits fan with mouthpiece after ejection from play-in tournament game
The former Michigan State star was ejected from the Hornets’ play-in tournament loss against the Hawks for arguing a goaltending call in the fourth quarter. On his way off of the court, Bridges passed by an unruly fan and attempted to throw his mouthpiece at him. The mouthpiece missed the intended fan, though, and struck a young female fan nearby instead. Wednesday’s 132-103 loss ended Charlotte’s season in the play-in tournament for the second straight season. Bridges had 12 points and four rebounds in the game and went 0-for-4 from 3-point range.
mlive.comFive former Michigan State players make NBA postseason, one playing for G-League title
Five former Michigan State players will be in action, with two set to play one another in the first round. Draymond Green, Golden State WarriorsGreen was limited to 46 games due to injury, his lowest total in an NBA season (not including the shortened 2019-20 campaign.) Gary Harris, Orlando MagicIn his eighth NBA season, Harris averaged 11.1 points per game. Xavier Tillman Sr., Memphis GrizzliesTillman averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in his second NBA season, playing 13.2 minutes per game in 53 games. He spent then two games with the Utah Jazz and averaged 2.9 points per game in his fifth NBA season.
mlive.comIn high-profile opener, Michigan State gets uneven play from newcomers
Christie was one of several newcomers who had off nights as a new-look Michigan State team fell to a Kansas team that leaned largely on a veteran perimeter group. And for a team that’s relying on two freshmen and a transfer in its playing rotation, their struggles of Michigan State’s newcomers were key. Fellow Spartans’ freshman Jaden Akins played a scoreless 12 minutes, missing all three of his shots and committing a costly turnover late in the first half. “I don’t know why, he’s a very good shooter.”The most-watched of the Spartans’ newcomers, though, was Christie. But the good news for Michigan State is that there’s only one season-opener, and its three rotation newcomers now all have it behind them.
mlive.comHayward finding success in more prominent role with Hornets
Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward, left, looks to pass against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. Hayward took the road less traveled this offseason when he opted out of his contract with the high-profile Celtics and chose to come to Charlotte to take on a more prominent role and the opportunity to help build a young Hornets team into a playoff contender. When the Hornets need a basket in the fourth quarter, they often defer to Hayward. “It seems like yesterday that I was these guys — I was the young guy,” Hayward said with a laugh. Hayward said his sole focus is on helping the Hornets end a four-year playoff drought.
Spurs have 4 players positive, Atlanta has All-Star concerns
Meanwhile, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms — whose city was picked to play host to the NBA All-Star Game and skills competitions on March 7 — raised major concerns about the notion of fans coming to the city for the events. Their games have been halted because they were the last team to play the Spurs, losing to them on Sunday. AdThe NBA does not reveal which players tested positive, but its announcement of the latest postponements said the Spurs had positive tests among players — and did not mention coaches. “Under normal circumstances, we would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to host the NBA All-Star game, but this is not a typical year," Bottoms said. “I have shared my concerns related to public health and safety with the NBA and Atlanta Hawks.
Pistons Fall To Miles Bridges And The Hornets 87-76
DETROIT (AP) No matter how bad things get for the Charlotte Hornets, they always seem to be able to fix them by playing the Detroit Pistons. Miles Bridges scored 18 points Monday night and the Hornets ended a five-game losing streak with an 87-76 victory, their 10th straight over Detroit. The Hornets are 13-36 against the rest of the league and had lost 13 of their previous 14 games. I think we showed pride in our defense tonight.The Pistons have lost three straight and nine of 11. However, late 3-pointers by Monk and Bridges put Charlotte ahead 66-59 going into the fourth.
detroit.cbslocal.com