Kemba Scores 29 as the Charlotte Hornets Fall to the 76ers, 105-99

Kemba’s 29-point performance wasn’t enough to help his side against the Sixers as the Charlotte Hornets dropped their third consecutive game.

The Charlotte Hornets (24-31) were defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers (21-34) as their losing streak has now reached three straight. Kemba Walker put on a show for the home crowd but it wasn’t enough in the end as the Sixers came out on top. Charlotte’s defense struggled to stop Philly in this one.

Cody Zeller missed his second straight game after re-aggravating his quad injury while Ramon Sessions missed his fifth straight game as he recovers from knee surgery. The injury bug continued to take it’s toll on Charlotte as Miles Plumlee suffered a strained right calf in the third quarter of this one. He didn’t return but hopefully, the knock doesn’t keep him out for a long time.

Turning Point

Even though the Sixers led for most of the night, the Hornets took control of the game for a bit at the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third. With 6:54 left in the third period, Charlotte led 63-59 but an 18-5 run put Philly in the driver’s seat. They ended up outscoring Charlotte 32-25 in the quarter as they held the lead from that point on.

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Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker looked to be back in all-star like form as he finished with 29 points and seven rebounds on 10-18 shooting from the field. Nicolas Batum, who guaranteed a win before the game, scored 16 points to go along with four assists. Frank Kaminsky recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards.

Jeremy Lamb added 12 points off the bench while Brian Roberts and Marco Belinelli each chipped in with eight points. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams only combined for 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists as they each played over 30 minutes. Ray McCallum and Mike Tobey have still not made their debuts as they are now on their second 10-day deals.

Dario Saric led the Sixers with 18 points and 11 boards off of the bench. Robert Covington scored 17 while T.J. McConnell added 14 points and seven assists to his stat line. Gerald Henderson (12), Nerlens Noel (12) and Nik Stauskas (11) each scored in double-figures as well.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Kemba recorded his 36th game of 20+ points.
• Kaminsky recorded his second double-double of the season.
• Philly out-rebounded Charlotte 51-33.
• The Hornets committed 15 turnovers.
• Charlotte’s now 5-17 over their last 22 total games.

With the loss, the Hornets fall to 1-2 in their season series against the 76ers. With this being their final meeting this year, Charlotte has lost a season series to Philadelphia for the first time since 2012. After sweeping the Sixers last season, the Hornets had trouble with them this time around.

Next: Hornets Trade With the Cavs

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will take on the Toronto Raptors as the team travels north of the border. It will be the team’s final game before the All-Star break. They are 1-1 in their season series so far this year. Steve Clifford’s side will look to get a much-needed win in their last game before the All-Star break.