One way to confirm that you're squarely on the path to impact player status: when the Charlotte Hornets' franchise face describes you as the engine that makes the team "go." Immediate in living up to his big-time endorsement, Mark Williams kickstarts a must-see sequence defensively, solving his undersized teammate’s post-up conundrum by swatting OG Anunoby’s layup away as if it were a fly at a family barbeque. Keeping the floor well-balanced as Charlotte begins its bucket-hunting journey on the opposite end, Williams benefits from a “right place, right time” shift from the dunker’s spot, positioning himself for a catch, followed by a ferocious two-handed slam. As seven-and-a-half-point underdogs, victory aspirations, oftentimes, boil down to tireless hustle and timely plays, something Williams provided routinely in the win over the New York Knicks on March 20, 2025. Williams’ final box score included contributions everywhere, as he pieced together 19 points (on 8-of-14 shooting), 14 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. · Mar 20, 2025