Bridges Praises DeRozan After Fierce Duel in Charlotte-Sacramento Matchup

Hornets forward Miles Bridges commends Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan's standout performance despite Charlotte's victory.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:19am

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The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings 117-109 in a competitive NBA matchup, but it was Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan's 39-point performance that impressed Hornets forward Miles Bridges. Bridges, who has looked up to DeRozan for a long time, praised the 36-year-old's game and said he continues to study DeRozan's moves, especially his post game.

Why it matters

DeRozan's standout performance, despite his team's loss, highlights his continued excellence as one of the league's best scorers, even at 36 years old. Bridges' admiration for DeRozan's game shows the veteran's lasting impact as a model for young wing players around the NBA.

The details

The Hornets were coming off a tough game against the Portland Trail Blazers the previous night, but they were still able to grind out a 117-109 victory over the Kings. Four Hornets players scored 20 or more points, but it was DeRozan's 39-point outburst that stood out. Bridges, who has learned many moves from DeRozan over the years, was impressed by the veteran's performance, even though it came in a losing effort.

  • The Hornets and Kings played their matchup on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Miles Bridges

A forward for the Charlotte Hornets who has looked up to DeMar DeRozan and continues to study his game.

DeMar DeRozan

A 36-year-old veteran forward for the Sacramento Kings, known as one of the league's best scorers despite not having a championship.

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What they’re saying

“I learned a lot of moves from him, a lot of post moves, but I continue to study his game. It's always fun playing against him, not when he's beating us like that, but it's always good to learn from one of the greats.”

— Miles Bridges, Hornets Forward (Sporting News)

The takeaway

DeRozan's continued excellence at 36 years old, as demonstrated by his 39-point performance against the Hornets, solidifies his status as one of the league's all-time great scorers. His impact as a model for young wing players like Miles Bridges is a testament to his longevity and the respect he has earned throughout his NBA career.