Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams made his season debut Thursday during a game against the Phoenix Suns after missing the first 11 games of the year due to a hamstring strain, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The veteran forward provided an immediate spark for his team, contributing 11 points, two rebounds and one assist in 16 minutes of action.
Williams demonstrated efficiency from long range, connecting on three of his five attempts from beyond the arc, according to details shared by Rookie Wire.
His impact was statistically significant, as he finished the contest with a plus-minus of +11, which stood as the highest mark on the team.
According to the outlets, he was one of only two players for Charlotte to finish on the positive side of the plus-minus ledger during the loss to the Suns.
Following the game, the eight-year veteran addressed his performance and the team’s overall execution while speaking to the media.
Reflecting on the group effort, “I think that we did a lot of great things tonight as a group,” Williams said.
He noted that he attempted to complement the team’s existing rhythm throughout his limited time on the floor.
However, Williams emphasized that there remains room for improvement regarding focus and tactical discipline.
He specifically pointed to the need for better execution in coverages and following timeouts, stating, “We also got things that we got to clean up, whether it’s executing coverages and out of timeouts, things of that nature.”
The forward acknowledged his own responsibility in leading the team, adding, “Just being more focused and attentive. I could have been more vocal in that capacity.”
Williams brings extensive experience to the Hornets roster, having appeared in 61 career playoff games, including an NBA Finals stint with the Boston Celtics, per USA Today Sports.
The team looks to integrate his veteran presence more fully as the season progresses.