A bright spot? In another Hornets loss, why Nick Smith Jr.’s game is reason for optimism

Nick Smith Jr. may be earning himself a consistent spot in the Charlotte Hornets’ starting lineup.

The second-year guard and former prized recruit out of Arkansas posted one of the best scoring nights of his NBA career in Charlotte’s 102-97 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at Spectrum Center.

Seeing increased minutes amid Brandon Miller’s season-ending wrist surgery, Smith has been impressing the Hornets on and off the floor.

And he has some familiarity with the small forward whose role he’s stepping into — Smith and Miller were travel ball teammates in high school in the Bradley Beal Elite AAU program.

“It’s fun, it’s for sure a blessing,” Smith said. “Brandon is out — the next man steps up. My coach and my teammates believe in me to go out there and do what I can do. I just try to go out there and play my game.”

Smith, who’s only 20 years old, led his team with a 17-point effort alongside six assists in his fourth start of the season. The young scorer’s career high in the NBA remains 24 points, set in a game last April at Cleveland.

Charlotte (11-30) led by as many as 13 points, fell behind during the fourth quarter, but stayed strong down the stretch and prevented the Trail Blazers (17-28) from pulling away.

“(Smith) is more than a scorer,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said. “He’s a player. He’s a great play maker, and we’re just seeing it. Now you’ve got to take what the defense gives you, and you have to be able to adjust from going as ‘one of the guys’ on the scouting report to ‘one of the main scorers’ on the scouting report. They’re gonna think about maybe committing two to the ball, when you have it, because you’re one of the main scoring options.

“His ability to have a little bit more patience and better pace to not over-dribble a scene, or to be late with a pass, it’s very encouraging. And it’s fun to watch — because I know he is trying to put a lot of effort into that area of his game.”

A big night for Josh Okogie

While Smith led the way for Charlotte in points and assists, a newcomer hung a double-double.

Nigerian-born small forward Josh Okogie, who recently joined Charlotte via trade with Phoenix, played high school ball in the Atlanta suburbs before attending Georgia Tech.

“Everybody here is loving,” Okogie said. “That’s kind of the South. I’m from Georgia, so I know how people are just loving and embracing. (The transition) was kind of easy for me.”

Okogie scored 16 points to go with 10 rebounds in Friday night’s game, pacing the Hornets on the boards, followed by Mark Williams (15 points), Josh Green (14 points) and Vasilije Micić (12 points). Portland shooting guard Anfernee Simons led all scorers with 27 points.

Another injury exit for the Hornets

Cody Martin left the game in the first half after initially being listed as probable due to left groin tightness.

LaMelo Ball (right wrist sprain), Miles Bridges (low back spasms) and Seth Curry (right ankle sprain) were all out on Friday.

The Hornets are ‘putting together something really nice’

“Charles (Lee) obviously comes from great stock,” Portland head coach Chauncey Billups said. “I’m happy for him. It was only a matter of time before he was a head coach. He’s done a really good job with this group. They play a fun brand of basketball — they get up and down, they’re playing together. You can tell that he’s brought the togetherness to the group, which is a big deal for you to be able to do as you take over something. So, I think he and Jeff (Peterson) both, they’re putting together something really nice.”

What’s next for Charlotte?

The Hornets, who opened an historic nine-game home stand, will be right back in action at Spectrum Center. Charlotte hosts the New Orleans Pelicans at 7 p.m. Saturday.