How are the Hornets treating Al Jefferson like a running back?

By foxsports
Published

In football, when one team holds a late lead, it's smart to run the ball as often as possible. It keeps the clock running and limits the possibility of a turnover. 

Basketball is a more fluid game, but the Charlotte Hornets used a similar strategy to beat the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

Here's The Charlotte Observer with more:

You know how comforting it is when the Carolina Panthers are protecting a fourth-quarter lead and can keep handing the ball to Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert? That’s what Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford did with Al Jefferson Thursday. Jefferson in the post was the basketball equivalent of a great running game in football. "When you’re ahead late and you can post the ball, it’s a great advantage," Clifford said following a 108-94 road victory over the Dallas Mavericks. "It takes time off the clock and your floor balance is always set. So whether he makes or misses, there’s usually not going to be a long rebound and you’re in spaces where you should be able to get back" on defense.

This is pretty smart. The Hornets' two biggest strengths are Jefferson and their team defense. For Steve Clifford to have one compliment the other is ingenious.