A reminder on The Horry Scale: It breaks down a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) in the categories of difficulty, game situation (was the team tied or behind at the time?), importance (playoff game or garden-variety night in November?) and celebration. Then we give it an overall grade on a scale of 1-5 Robert Horrys, named for the patron saint of last-second answered prayers.
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The Hornets started slow and dug themselves an 11-2 hole after missing six of their first seven shots. Meanwhile, Andre Drummond had a double-double by halftime as the Pistons built a 65-51 lead. It didn’t look good for Charlotte, which has now trailed by double digits in every game this season. But the young Hornets came alive in the second half, with Devonte Graham and Malik Monk leading the charge. Monk had the last word, knocking down a contested 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Hornets a 109-106 victory, which snapped a four-game losing streak.
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DIFFICULTY: It’s never easy to execute a play with just one second on the clock, but coach James Borrego devised a great set. Following a timeout, the Hornets threw several screens, with Monk flying around one near the top of the key. He caught a pass from Cody Martin and launched the winner over Drummond.
GAME SITUATION: Marvin Williams hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 106-106 with 23.3 seconds remaining. After Derrick Rose drove the lane and awkwardly threw the ball away with a second left, Charlotte took the ball at midcourt.
CELEBRATION: Bedlam in Charlotte. Monk raised his arms in victory as the home crowd erupted. Teammates mobbed Monk at center court, while the Pistons walked off the court in disbelief. The party lasted for several minutes.
MALIK CALLED GAME‼️‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/0Y6FvAfXPa
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 16, 2019
GRADE: Monk’s first two seasons in Charlotte have been underwhelming. This year seems different. “Every game is getting better and better, so hopefully I just keep going up,” said Monk. “I’ve been working hard for these two or three years and I’ve been waiting for my moment.” And what a moment it was. 3.5 Horrys.
