Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee praised new addition Coby White for being the embodiment of the team's competitive spirit after they earned a fourth straight win.

The Hornets ran out 109-93 winners against the Portland Trail Blazers, keeping alive their outside chance of making it to the playoffs.

Brandon Miller had 26 points and eight rebounds, but White had an eye-catching performance from the bench, adding 20 points.

White joined from the Chicago Bulls before making his Hornets debut against his former side, and he has continued to impress across his three games with the team.

And Lee has been particularly impressed with his seamless transition with Charlotte.

"Between the competitive spirit and wanting to have togetherness on and off the court, he embodies that. I think that we see his competitiveness on both ends of the floor," Lee said.

"When he's on the bench, he's engaged, being a vocal leader; he's been through a lot of experiences. Our guys respect him as a player, but also as a professional."

back back @CobyWhite x @Kon2Knueppel |  @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/3gqvhfBIMx

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 28, 2026

Charlotte are ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 30-31 record after their recent winning streak, and veteran Miles Bridges noted how important White has been to their turnaround.

"Just a dynamic veteran guard off the bench. He's doing a great job," Bridges said.

"He can score 20-30 [points] each night if he wanted to, but just to have him as a sixth man, that's great for us. He's playing in his hometown.

"So, it feels extra good for him and should be comfortable. We're trying to make him comfortable here on his team, and we're happy to have him."