It's been a journey for Nick Smith Jr. since he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the summer of 2023, but this season has certainly been a stepping stone for what's to come, despite his inconsistencies. His performance on Friday night was easily the best of his NBA career.
Smith scored a career-high 26 points in the Hornets' win over the Spurs, but it was his terrific first-half that got the attention of those watching, where he poured in 22 of his 26 total points.
Not only did he score 22 points in the half, but he did it on tremendous efficiency.