Ramon Sessions runs the Charlotte Hornets second unit.

As he displayed in the Hornets’ 109-88 win against Orlando, Charlotte’s backup point guard keeps things going when he steps onto the court.

“I’m just running the team,” said Sessions, who was acquired in the offseason. “I think I’ve been playing well for the time that I’ve been out there. [I’m] just running the second unit, scoring the ball and getting guys their shots. We have so much talent in that second unit it really doesn’t matter who scores the ball. I feel like [with] our second unit [if] we keep pushing like that, that’s what will help us down the road.”

Said coach Steve Clifford of Sessions: “A good backup has the ability to play against starters, and he can do that. He’s done it for years. He’s been a starter at times. He has the athleticism, the strength and the size to do that.”

Against the Magic, Sessions had a season high 12 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.

“His defense has been good for a while now,” Clifford said. “His pick-and-roll defense has been very good, and like tonight, not just making shots, but I thought he played very well.”

Sessions sees his role as the engine of the second unit, but does not consider scoring essential to his effectiveness.

“Depending on if I need to score the ball or get guys shots, or just being the coach out there with that second unit [varies],” he said. “We have so much talent. It makes my job that much easier.”

Said center Cody Zeller: “He was here my rookie year. He’s been a huge key for us, and I’m glad to have him back this year.”

Averaging 6.0 points per game, Sessions has appeared in all 23 games for the Hornets. Seeing half as much time as starter Kemba Walker, Sessions shoots 38.9 percent from the field and 25.9 percent from beyond the arc with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.3:1.

Charlotte (14-9) hits the road from Dec. 10 at Cleveland through Dec. 17 in Atlanta. They return to Spectrum Center on Dec. 20 against the Lakers.

“It’s good momentum obviously,” Clifford said of closing out the home stand with a win. “I think whenever you are going to go on an extended trip it’s good to win the last game. You want to build as much of a cushion as you can. Plus, the other part is, we’ve got to win at home. These two games I felt like we played better, good energy. We started to shoot the ball well again, which is obviously critical for our team.”  

Said Sessions: “If we want to be a good playoff team we’ve got to win at home.”

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