Charlotte Hornets Losing Streak Extends to Seven With Loss to Utah, 105-98

The Charlotte Hornets looked to have the game in hand, only to give it away in the final minutes as they fell to the Jazz in Utah.

The Charlotte Hornets (23-28) were defeated by the Utah Jazz (32-19) as they dropped their seven straight games. They have now lost 10 consecutive on the road as they continue to lose ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Charlotte played well for the better part of the second half and was in the driver’s seat down the stretch but poor shot selection and Utah’s clutch shooting in the final minutes was the story of the game.

Charlotte played well despite being without their starting center as Cody Zeller missed his sixth consecutive game with a quad contusion. Ramon Sessions missed his first game with a torn meniscus and is set to be out for some time. Both Frank Kaminsky, who filled in at the five, and Roberts, who filled in as the backup point, played well in their new roles.

Turning Point

The Hornets’ trailed 63-52 in the third period but finished the quarter on a 30-10 run. That looked to be the turning point but the Jazz had other plans in mind. Utah’s 23-6 run to end the game was the real turning point. Charlotte led 92-82 with 8:38 remaining in the fourth but they were only able to muster up six points in the final eight minutes. Poor offensive execution, poor shot selection, and just missing easy shots led to their eventual downfall at the hands of the Jazz.

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Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 18 points and six assists. Marvin Williams had one of his best games of the season as he finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Frank Kaminsky took the most of his starting opportunity as he ended the night with 15 points.

Marco Belinelli had a nice game off of the bench as he added 13 points while Jeremy Lamb chipped in 12 points. Nicolas Batum had a quiet night with only 11 points and six assists to his name. In his debut with Charlotte, Miles Plumlee scored four points and grabbed eight boards in 17 minutes.

Gordon Heyward carried the Jazz as he scored a season-high 33 points to go along with eight rebounds. George Hill wasn’t far behind as he scored 25 in this one. Joe Johnson came off the bench and put up 18 points, six boards, and four assists. Dante Exum rounded out the double-figure scorers with 11 points.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Lamb scored 10+ points off the bench for the 15th time this season.
• Kemba passed Gerald Wallace for second on Charlotte’s all-time scoring list.
• The Hornets are now only 1-12 without Zeller.
• Utah out-rebounded Charlotte 51-38.
• This game featured 11 lead changes and seven ties.

With the loss, the Hornets dropped to 1-1 against the Jazz this season. That is how their series will end as this was the final outing between these two teams. Charlotte and Utah have had the same result, 1-1 with each team winning at home, over the past three years.

Next: Briante Weber Chose the Warriors Over the Hornets

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets return home to host the Brooklyn Nets. It will be their fourth and final meeting with the Nets this season as the matchup will also open a four-game homestand for Steve Clifford’s side. They desperately need a win or they further jeopardize their chances of making the playoffs.