Charlotte Hornets Outlast the Mavericks in Dallas to Sweep the Season Series

A big fourth quarter led the Charlotte Hornets past the Dallas Mavericks as they were able to secure yet another crucial road win and sweep the season series.

The Charlotte Hornets (12-9) were able to defeat the Dallas Mavericks (4-16) as a strong fourth quarter performance propelled them to victory and sweep the season series, 2-0. It was yet another hard-fought game between these two sides but, just as in their previous meeting, the Hornets were able to come out on top. Although Kemba Walker led the team in scoring, it was an all-around performance and Jeremy Lamb‘s big fourth quarter paved the way to the team’s sixth road win.

Marvin Williams (hyperextended knee) was out for the fifth consecutive game but he is close to returning and if everything goes right, he could be back in the starting line-up for the team’s next outing. Frank Kaminsky did an admirable job as the replacement once again as he put up six points and three rebounds in only 22 minutes of action. Dallas was also suffering from due to injuries as they were without star big man, Dirk Nowitzki, who has an achilles injury and is set to be out for some time.

This was a close game throughout as it featured 18 lead changes and 17 ties. Both teams made runs but Dallas’ 11 point lead late in the third quarter looked like it would seal the deal with the way the game was going. Charlotte had other plans in mind as the match really began to heat up in the fourth and final quarter. The Hornets’ game-high 34 point quarter in the fourth period helped them not only comeback but also take a decisive lead. The team as a whole played well in the fourth but Jeremy Lamb’s 10 points in the quarter and a three-point dagger with 13.9 second left secured the win for Steve Clifford’s side.

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For the Charlotte Hornets, this game was arguably won at the free throw line. Despite only making three of their 18 three-point attempts (with the first one coming with only 49 seconds remaining in the third quarter), they still managed to come out on top thanks to 26-28 shooting from the free throw line. That 92.9% clip from the charity stripe was the x-factor in this one.

Kemba Walker led the Hornets with a team-high 19 points and he also dished out four assists on the night. Marco Belinelli scored 16 points off the bench and grabbed six rebounds. Jeremy Lamb scored 14 with 10 coming in the fourth. Nicolas Batum had a near triple-double once again with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Cody Zeller chipped in with 12 points while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added a double-double to his name with 11 points and 12 boards.

Charlotte had no answer for Harrison Barnes who led Dallas with a game-high 29 points to go along with seven rebounds in this one. Wesley Matthews scored 16 points and Deron Williams had a big night with 15 points and 13 assists. Dwight Powell (15) and Jonathan Gibson (13) rounded out the double-digit scorers.

Highlight of the Night:

Cody Zeller also got yammed on by Dwight Powell in this one and you can check that out here if you’d like.

Tweet of the Night:

"Quick Stings"

• Charlotte improved to 6-3 on the road this season
• Nic recorded a season-high 15 rebounds.
• Batum recorded his second straight double-double and fourth of the year.
• MKG grabbed his team-leading fifth double-double of the season.
• The Hornets shot (40-79) 50.6% from the field and (3-18) 16.7% from the three-point line.

With the win, the Hornets were able to sweep the season series over the Mavs for the first time in the last 16 seasons. Even though Dallas hasn’t been great so far this year, Charlotte has been able to squeak past them in both games.

Next: Why Charlotte Must Take Care of the Ball to Succeed

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will return home to take on the Detroit Pistons. It will be the second of four total meeting this season after the team from Michigan took game one just a week ago in the Queen City. They will be looking to string a few wins together after this victory over the Mavericks.