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The Charlotte Hornets started the 2016-17 season with a message to the league…..defense will be a key for this year’s unit.

The Hornets, on the road to open the season, played inspired team defense to hold the Milwaukee Bucks to 66 points in the first three quarters.  After three quarters the Hornets held a 20 point advantage. They were able to hold on for 107-96 season-opening victory at Bradley Center.

Roy Hibbert, the newly acquired free agent center, made his presence known in the paint. Hibbert had four blocks and the team had nine overall. The Hornets held the Bucks shot just 40 percent, compared to 49 percent from the field for themselves.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the #2 overall pick in the 2012 draft,  played his first regular-season game since February of last season. MKG noticeably brought an added level of defensive pressure and energy to the team, who seem to play considerably better when hes on the floor.  Kidd-Gilchrist played only seven games due to two right shoulder injuries, each requiring surgery. MKG finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Cody Zeller scored 15 points in limited action.