Motivational speeches weren’t necessary for Steve Clifford.
In the hours leading up to Tuesday night’s in-season tournament game against Miami, given the Charlotte Hornets’ current injury situation, it was relatively easy for Clifford to get everyone in a game day mentality during their morning shootaround.
“I didn’t have to say much,” the head coach said. “They looked around and said, ’Oh, s - - - there’s only 10 of us.’ You know what I mean? ‘He hasn’t played me yet, but I think I’m going to get in there.’ So, yeah, I didn’t have to say much.