James Borrego says Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball work ‘very nicely off each other’
Having long established themselves as sparks off the bench, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges took different roles on Wednesday. With Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington both out against the Sixers due to injuries, Ball and Bridges took their spots in the starting lineup.
The two hardly missed a beat in their new positions, even if the Hornets came away with a defeat. Underscored by their latest highlight-reel connection, Ball and Bridges excelled together once again on Wednesday, another milestone after impressing in the preseason and as reserves together.
“Melo’s done a really nice job,” head coach James Borrego said. “I think they play off each other very nicely. Especially Miles’ ability to roll and play in transition with Melo’s important for us and they’ve hit it off, I think Melo does that with a number of guys.
“I think Miles is one of those guys, that’s been the recipient of LaMelo’s pace and his playmaking ability. And you’re right, I see a connection there. No matter if they’re starting or come off the bench together, whatever it is, I think there is synergy there between the two.”
Of Ball’s 38 minutes and Bridges’ 32 minutes, 28 of those came together with the pairing having a net rating of +0.2 in that span. Considering the team had a net rating of -5.7 on the night as a whole, it shows the impact the two have together.
“It just started off the court with our chemistry,” Bridges said of the pairing. “We just became close as soon as he got here. But, I mean it is good. We want to help our team win. We like a fast pace. We get out and run. Gordon likes playing like that. (Devonte’) all those guys, they love getting out on the run so he can find them. Melo’s been doing a good job of finding people and, this year, I think I’ve made a jump in finding people, too.”
As a team this season, the Hornets play with a pace of 99.91. When Ball and Bridges share the court together on the season, the pace jumps to 102.8. Put in other terms, it’s the difference being 16th in pace in the league and being fourth.
And what the Hornets learned on Wednesday is that, whether on the bench or in the starting lineup, the pairing can be dynamic in any role.
