Clifford rips Hornets' defense after OT loss to Pistons: 'There's not a bright spot'

Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford criticized his players' defensive effort after Wednesday's 141-134 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons.

"Until we care about something besides how many points we score, we're not going to win much," Clifford told reporters following the matchup between the NBA's worst teams. "Can't play like that ... we are playing no defense. Not one guy. There's not a bright spot.

"We don't run back on defense. We don't guard the ball. ... We're right back to where we started. Ground zero. Where all we want to be is let's try to outscore the other teams. It doesn't work in the NBA. Well actually, it never works."

Charlotte surrendered the most points it has all season to Detroit. The Pistons shot 51.6% from the field - including 45% from deep - and attempted 36 free throws.

The Hornets brought back the defensive-minded Clifford in the offseason. The 61-year-old has registered five top-10 finishes in defensive efficiency over eight previous head coaching campaigns.

That hasn't been the case so far in Clifford's second stint, as the Hornets rank 24th in opponent field-goal percentage, 25th in defensive efficiency, and 27th in points allowed.