A System With Teeth

Jamal Brooks guarded the rim in controlled minutes, while Elias Monroe absorbed the bruises that did not make highlight packages. On offense, Charlotte stopped pretending it had a traditional star. Marcus initiated, but the advantage belonged to whoever touched the gap. Luka became the elbow hub. Tyrese screened more than he spotted up. Jamal short-rolled into decisions that made defenses choose between a lob, a corner three, or a floater he had practiced until his wrist ached. The numbers changed. Over a fifteen-game stretch, Charlotte ranked sixth in defensive rating and third in transition frequency. They still missed open shots. They still had quarters where youth showed its teeth. But the team no longer looked random. Random teams lose loudly.