Reid, who arrived in Charlotte as part of the high-profile trade involving LaMelo Ball, struggled to find his rhythm before his removal. He concluded the evening with seven points, connecting on just two of his six field-goal attempts. Following the game, Lee addressed the situation directly, noting that the coaching staff reached the conclusion at halftime that Reid would not return to the floor.
Performance struggles and game context
The Hornets initially appeared to be in a strong position, heading into the halftime break with a 51-44 lead. Brandon Miller spearheaded the Charlotte effort, recording 21 of his eventual 31 points during the first half. Despite the team's early advantage, which was bolstered by a 6-0 edge in second-chance points, the momentum shifted dramatically after the intermission.
Detroit seized control early in the third quarter, orchestrating a 16-5 run that turned the tide of the game. The Pistons' defensive pressure proved effective, forcing eight turnovers in the third period alone to establish a 76-70 lead heading into the final frame. While Charlotte remained within striking distance for much of the fourth quarter, the team was unable to overcome Miller's late-game shooting slump, as he missed five of his seven attempts in the final period. An additional five turnovers in the fourth quarter further hampered the Hornets' ability to mount a comeback.
Reid's role and team outlook
Naz Reid, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, is currently in the second year of a five-year, $125 million contract. His acquisition was a significant component of the deal that sent LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As part of that transaction, the Hornets also secured a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three second-round picks spanning from 2029 to 2033, and first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, and 2030.
Despite the frustration of Wednesday's benching, Lee expressed a desire to move forward, stating that he looks forward to Reid meeting the required standards in the team's next outing. The Hornets will look to regroup as they continue to integrate their new roster additions following the recent trade activity.
