CHICAGO — The Charlotte Hornets, who have been struggling lately, received a significant uplift on Friday night as forward Miles Bridges made his return to the court against the Chicago Bulls. Bridges had been sidelined for 10 games due to a bruised right knee but was back just in time to help his team.

Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Bridges had last played during a defeat against Brooklyn on November 19. Prior to his injury, he was averaging an impressive 16 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, rookie forward Tidjane Salaun was cleared to play after missing two games with a sprained left ankle, further bolstering the team’s options in the front court.

The Hornets faced a tough stretch, having lost 12 out of their last 15 matches, which included an eight-game losing streak. However, they managed to secure a win against Indianapolis last Sunday, infusing some hope into their campaign. The return of both Bridges and Salaun, who was selected as the sixth overall pick in the latest draft, not only enhances their roster depth but also adds a layer of versatility.

Coach Charles Lee expressed optimism regarding the impact of these players: “Having them back means more depth and versatility,” he stated. Lee noted that the team has not made any excuses for their struggles, emphasizing a spirit of competitiveness among the players. He highlighted that the return of Bridges and Salaun provides enhanced competitiveness and improves their offensive capabilities by allowing for better shot opportunities due to their ability to penetrate defenses.