By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Improving his individual best in the NBA to 21 points, Vasilije Micic fell shy of enjoying a win in Spectrum Center on Tuesday.
Micic, 30, connected 8/15 field goals for the Charlotte Hornets in a losing effort versus the Orlando Magic.
“Unfortunately, we have a lot of injured players,” he described the situation leading to back-to-back starts under head coach Steve Clifford, “Any chance that you get here should be used in the best possible way. It gives me a lot of confidence, honestly. And the game as the game is all the same. This is what I can say, especially at my age.”
Since moving in from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Serbian guard is averaging 9.8 points per game. A massive improvement compared to 3.3 points per contest over 30 appearances with his first NBA team.
At 5.7 assists per contest over 11 games played with the franchise based in North Carolina, the two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion also discussed setting up plays for his teammates.
“I grew up with that mentality,” he referred to prioritizing passing the ball, “But I realized with time that you just have to be capable of everything, no matter which league you play.”
Vasilije Micic recorded his career-high in points and rebounds in the NBA tonight 🤩
📊 21 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 8/15 FG
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) March 6, 2024
“Constantly analyzing my game brought me to the level that I can play this way,” added Micic.
Down to 15-47 and far from the Play-In zone of the Eastern Conference, the next game for the Hornets is against the Washington Wizards in Capital One Arena on Friday.