Mark Williams’ Strong Performance Not Enough as Hornets Fall to Nuggets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams delivered a standout performance Saturday night, recording a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds in a 107-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Spectrum Center. Despite his efforts, the Hornets couldn’t overcome a 23-point halftime deficit, marking their third loss to the struggling Washington Wizards this season.

Williams, who also blocked three shots and dished out three assists, has been a consistent force for the Hornets, averaging 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season. His recent stretch includes eight or more rebounds and 11 or more points in each of his last five games, solidifying his role as a key player in Charlotte’s lineup.

However, Williams’ first-half effort drew sharp criticism from Hornets halftime analyst Terrence Oglesby. “I’m OK when shots are missed. I’m OK when errors happen. If there’s at least effort, I can live with those things,” Oglesby said. “Mark Williams has put together a first half that I’ve never seen from a starting center at the NBA level. Heck, even maybe the college level.”

Oglesby pointed to Williams’ lack of defensive intensity, particularly in guarding Jonas Valanciunas, which led to open three-pointers for the Wizards. The Hornets allowed 46 points in the second quarter, a key factor in their eventual defeat.

Williams improved in the second half, helping the Hornets cut the deficit to five points late in the third quarter. However, the team couldn’t complete the comeback, falling to a Wizards squad that now has eight wins on the season. Williams finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds, but his performance wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

“If you’re going to be the center of a franchise where they’ve invested in you, they’ve planned for you to be a core piece of what they’re going to be moving forward, that effort is unacceptable,” Oglesby added, emphasizing the high expectations for the young center.

With key players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sidelined, Williams has been thrust into a larger role, often serving as the Hornets’ primary offensive option. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the team’s struggles highlight the need for a more consistent effort from their young star.