Miles Bridges Makes Triumphant Return to Hornets' Lineup After 10-Game Absence

The 6-foot-7 Bridges made his return to the court after a hiatus since a defeat in Brooklyn on Nov. 19. Prior to his absence, he was putting up solid numbers, averaging 16 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, rookie forward Tidjane Salaun was back in action after sitting out the last two games due to a sprained left ankle.

The Hornets had lost 12 of 15. They dropped eight in a row before winning at Indianapolis on Sunday. But having Bridges and Salaun — the sixth overall draft pick — back gives them more options up front.

“More depth, more versatility,” coach Charles Lee said. “There haven’t been any excuses made, and there’s just been an overall competitiveness. But the one thing that we gain from those two guys is more competitiveness. But offensively, I think they help us create different types of shots, some better shot opportunities because of their ability to get a piece of the paint.”