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Malik Monk’s time in Charlotte has been a bit rocky, to say the least.
The former Wildcat is only 22 years old (turning 23 on Thursday) and has shown some glimpses of his potential, but has also dealt with suspensions, COVID-19, and a logjam in the backcourt in Charlotte.
But on Tuesday night, Monk showed what he can do in the NBA by going off for 36 points as the Hornets defeated the Heat in overtime. That performance also included this shot that sent the game into OT.
wowow Malik Monk career-high forces overtime in Miami. NINE THREES. pic.twitter.com/C7ym2FV0DB
— De’Wobbon Fox (@WorldWideWob) February 2, 2021
Monk was the game’s leading scorer, shooting 11/18 from the floor, 9/13 (!!!) from three, and 5/5 from the free throw line while finishing +17 on the floor, a game-best.
Monk seemingly couldn’t miss from three on the night while setting a career high for points and also setting the team record for most points coming off the bench.
36 points for Monk sets @hornets franchise record for points off the bench previously: 35 points for Devonte' Graham 11/5/19 vs. IND #AllFly https://t.co/83Lx9PlQGf
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) February 2, 2021
Monk is in a contract year and Charlotte is going to have some decisions to make. They have a logjam in the backcourt with LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and DeVonte Graham.
Charlotte’s cap situation also isn’t the best, so performances like that could certainly drive up the value for Monk to the point that he may price himself out of staying with Charlotte and find a new home in the offseason.
Or the Hornets could look to deal Monk to try to pick up some draft picks as compensation.
No matter what the future plans are, it’s good to see Monk getting on the court and showing the kind of talent that we saw him exhibit while in Lexington.
Tweet of the Day
.@AhmadMonk went all 2016 in Las Vegas vs. North Carolina tonight.
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 2, 2021
Nine 3-pointers, 36 points. #LaFamilia x #BuiltDifferent
pic.twitter.com/N11ZdnSXWa
Anyone else have flashbacks to that North Carolina performance while watching him light it up last night?
Headlines
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