Delivering in high-pressure moments can cement your legacy in the NBA. When speaking of pressure moments, there is nothing that compares to taking the mantle in the dying moments of the game with the score even and the shot clock winding down. Since Michael Jordan was a master of this craft, he can appreciate it when some other artist puts it on show.
On Thursday night, the man who brought MJ out of his seat was Terry Rozier. Michael was in the stands to watch his Charlotte Hornets play against the Detroit Pistons. The game was even-steven with 33 seconds to go, and the scoreboard read 103-100 in the Hornets’ favor.
However, the game was far from dead and when Hornets had the possession, they ran the shot clock down. With just a few seconds to go, Terry Rozier drove to the basket and hit a two-pointer, much to MJ‘s delight.
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Terry Rozier… CLUTCH.
MJ loves to see it. pic.twitter.com/sXBXBfTekm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 12, 2021
As you can see, Rozier’s basket put the result beyond doubt. The Pistons could only muster two points in the final possession, and the Hornets won 105-102 at the end.
Scary Terry has been one of Jordan’s favorites because he consistently displays his clutch gene. He was 2 of 9 from the field before going 4 of 5 in the final 3:11 of the game. Overall, he tallied 12 points in that time frame.
Final 3:11 for Terry Rozier:
4-point play ✅
3-point play ✅
3 pointer ✅
Icy runner ✅@T_Rozzay3 lifts @hornets in the clutch. pic.twitter.com/XSiwb9tTFg— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2021
Hornets’ & LaMelo Ball’s 2020-21 NBA season form is pleasing Michael Jordan
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This is arguably the most positive that the Hornets have played since Jordan took charge of the team 10 years back. Gordon Hayward‘s signing is proving to be a masterstroke while the young pieces around him are developing well, especially future Rookie of the Year, LaMelo Ball. In a recent email sent to the Associated Press, Michael revealed how he had exceeded all expectations and wrote:
“I think Melo has adjusted to the NBA game better than any of us ever thought this early in his career. He has exceeded our expectations so far this season.”
The Hornets consolidated their standings in the Eastern Conference with this win. They now lie in 6th place with an 18-18 record. Making the playoffs after a couple of poor seasons would make the former Chicago Bulls superstar very happy.
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