LaMelo Ball brings out the best in Miles Bridges as partnership blooms
Miles Bridges’ move to the Charlotte bench could have had any number of ripple effects on him this season. After anchoring a starting spot last season, Bridges was the sacrifice in the lineup once the team signed Gordon Hayward.
Instead of negative effects, though, Bridges has excelled in his new role. But it’s hard to call Bridges the sixth man this year because one player has not only been linked with Bridges but has been one of the reasons for his strong play.
LaMelo Ball.
Often seen checking into the game together, Ball and Bridges have formed a partnership off the bench for the Hornets that has led to both personal and team success from the pair. So far this season, Ball has played 353 minutes and Bridges has played 363 minutes; 271 of those came alongside one another. Neither has played more minutes with any other teammate.
“I think coming off the bench for both of them, in a lot of ways, it just naturally ties them together,” head coach James Borrego said. “Our substitution pattern, they come in, for the most part, together and they’re playing that early stretch. I like that combination.
“I like the combination of the two of them. I think it gets Miles out running, attacking the rim, and I think Miles is thriving playing right next to him.”
While Bridges’ raw statistics may be down this year, his impact is still being felt. Of the nine Hornets to play at least 10 games, Bridges is second on the team in net rating, trailing on Devonte’ Graham.
One of the areas Bridges has made the biggest leap is his playmaking. Despite his decrease in minutes, Bridges is averaging a career high in assists. His assist percentage is at a career-best mark and one of the biggest reasons for his improvement, according to Borrego, is Ball.
“I think Miles is thriving playing with LaMelo,” Borrego said. “LaMelo’s finding him some easy buckets. I also think LaMelo’s game has rubbed off a little bit on Miles as well. You’re seeing my Miles’ playmaking ability. I’m really proud of his growth in that area. That’s one area we’ve challenged all our guys, and especially Miles coming into this season, his ability to make plays for other people.
“I think the last game, if you look at the last Toronto game, he made a number of plays for other people off the bounce, hitting (Biyombo) at the rim, hitting (Biyombo) in the pocket, skipping it. He’s another guy that has great size and passing ability, and I think that’s a credit to Miles but I think part of that is LaMelo’s vision and his ability to see the court has rubbed off on Miles as well.”
While Ball’s playmaking is contagious and has rubbed off on Bridges, Ball himself has seen success next to Bridges. For 5-man lineups featuring Ball this season for the Hornets that have played at least 10 minutes, the top five in net rating all feature Bridges as well.
It’s a partnership that has been at the core of so much that has gone well for the Hornets this season. Four of the top five overall 5-man lineups for the Hornets this season that has played at least 10 minutes include Ball and Bridges and each has a net rating above plus-9.2.
For Ball, Bridges has served as a safety blanket as he’s adapted to the NBA. For Bridges, Ball has served as someone who has unlocked another aspect of his game. For the Hornets, both have served as catalysts off the bench.
