LeBron and the Cavs Snap the Charlotte Hornets’ Three-Game Win Streak

Not only was the Charlotte Hornets’ three-game win streak ended by LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they also lost Kemba Walker in the game.

VS.

	1	2	3	4	T
Cavaliers	36	31	25	24	116
All NBA	26	26	29	24	105

The Charlotte Hornets (14-10) were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-5) as LeBron James led the home team to their fourth straight win. After winning their last three, Steve Clifford’s side put up a good fight on the road but couldn’t do enough to get the job done. Even with the loss, the bigger concern is Kemba Walker’s health as he picked up an injury in the game.

Near the end of the fourth quarter, as the Hornets were attempting to make one final run, LeBron James banged knees with Kemba. Charlotte’s point guard stayed on the ground as he was clearly in a lot of pain. After a few minutes on the ground, he walked to the bench under his own power but later headed back to the locker room. The team reported that he has a left knee contusion and will be listed as day-to-day going forward.

Game Stroy:

After keeping it close in the first quarter, the Cavs took control of the game from there on out. Cleveland held the lead for the entirety of the game after the nine-minute mark in the first quarter. Charlotte battled back and cut the Cavaliers lead to single digits multiple times and even brought it to within three in the third period. LeBron put together an all-time performance and carried his side to victory in this one as he took over in the fourth quarter.

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The Hornets were led by Kemba Walker who finished the game with 24 points and five assists. Cody Zeller almost grabbed a double-double as he scored 17 points and had nine rebounds. Marco Belinelli added 15 points off the bench while Marvin Williams chipped in 11 points and grabbed five boards.

Nicolas Batum only scored nine points in this one but he wasn’t alone in terms of a disappointing performance as Frank Kaminsky struggled all night and had one of his worst games as a professional. The Tank ended with six points on 2-13 shooting and was constantly beat on the defensive end. Jeremy Lamb rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points.

LeBron James led Cleveland with a season-high 44 points to go along with 10 assists and nine rebounds as he came up just short of a triple-double. Kevin Love, who the Cavs went to early and often, scored 22 points and came away with six rebounds. Iman Shumpert added 16 points and Tristan Thompson had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. A lone bright spot for Charlotte’s defense was holding Kyrie Irving to only 11 points.

Highlight of the Game:

Tweet of the Night:

Please, take my ACL/MCL/whatever you need Kemba. I don't need mine.
— At The Hive (@At_The_Hive) December 11, 2016

"Quick Stings"

Charlotte dropped to 6-4 away from home.
Kemba recorded his eighth 20+ point game of the season.
The Hornets committed 14 turnover which is above their season average.
The Cavs shot 57.5% from the field and were even above 70% late into the first half.
The Charlotte Hornets only shot (39-86) 45.3% from the field and (10-27) 37% from the three-point line.

With the loss, the Hornets now fall to 0-2 on the season series against the Cavaliers. The two sides will meet twice more this year with their next match come on New Year’s Eve in Charlotte. It is clear that LeBron has their number but the Queen City team keeps putting up good fights against the King.

Next: Five Game Road Trip Will Test the Hornets

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will take on the Indiana Pacers for only the second time this season. After Charlotte won the first game at home, the Pacers will look for revenge as the Hornets come into Indiana for this matchup. The Hornets will look to rebound and get back in the win column when they take on Paul George and company.