O’Bryant’s Breakout Game Leads the Charlotte Hornets to Big Win in Denver
Even though Kemba led the Charlotte Hornets, Johnny O’Bryant’s breakout game gave the team the spark they needed to defeat the Nuggets.
On a Saturday night in Denver, the Charlotte Hornets showed up to play and came out with a big win against the Nuggets. Steve Clifford’s side avoided offensive turnovers and was able to share the ball around the court. The Hornets were led by Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum but everyone else chipped in as six players scored in double figures.
Our player of the game is Kemba Walker. The All-Star point guard came out and balled in this matchup. He was a threat from beyond the arc and made plays when the Hornets needed him to. Ever since the all-star break, Walker has been elite from beyond the arc.
Kemba Walker (A+)
27 PTS 4 AST 4 REBS
Kemba proved once again why he was an all-star. His three-point shooting was on point and his scoring continues to lead Charlotte. Walker’s shooting game and play-making ability are infectious. Kemba has nearly averaged thirty points a game in his last five outings.
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Nicolas Batum (A)
21 PTS 8 AST 2 REBS
Batum enjoyed a great game shooting the ball. He started off hot and that continued all night. Nic was a straight-up playmaker in this game. His shots and assists played a huge impact in the Hornets’ win. When Nicolas plays as a true secondary option alongside Kemba, Charlotte’s at their best.
6 PTS 2 AST 3 REBS
Kidd-Gilchrist had a poor shooting game but he made a huge impact on defense. Despite his poor shooting, he made up for it with a block and a couple of steals. MKG must improve his shooting if the Hornets want to improve their offensive efficiency but that is still a big ask for Michael.
Marvin Williams (A)
14 PTS 3 AST 12 REBS
The double-double performance from Williams was one of his best outings of the season. He made both of the three-point shots and was a beast on the glass. Games like this from Marvin were more prevalent last season but have been a rarity this year.
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Cody Zeller (B+)
11 PTS 2 AST 8 REBS
Cody got the start in this game because of Frank Kaminsky being injured. Zeller made a huge impact at the beginning of the game. Kaminsky may be a better scorer than Cody but no one sets a better screen than Zeller. Having him back in the starting lineup along Kemba, their deadly pick and roll game was back in this one.
Marco Belinelli (C)
3 PTS 3 AST 3 REBS
This was a rough shooting game for Marco but he was able to knock down a three for the Hornets. His playmaking skills were able to set up good passes and open shots for his teammates. With his acrobatic shooting, Belinelli needs to become more aggressive with the ball is in his hands.
Brian Roberts (C)
3 PTS 2 AST 1 REBS
Roberts didn’t put up great stats but he did give Walker some must-needed rest. Brian orchestrated stellar offensive awareness while doing his job on the court. With Ramon Sessions injured, it may be time to go in the direction of Briante Weber as Roberts hasn’t done anything of note during his time this season.
Jeremy Lamb (B)
12 PTS 0 AST 4 REBS
Lamb came off the bench and led the way with O’Bryant. Jeremy was not able to get a lot of rebounds but his offensive efficiency helped pave the way to a win out in Denver. While playing great defense, he also knocked down a couple triples.
Johnny O’Bryant (A+)
15 PTS 1 AST 6 REBS
Johnny came out in this game and proved his worth to the Hornets. While being on a 10-day contract, O’Bryant had a breakout game as he scored a career-high with 15. His energy made a big difference and led to him getting a second 10-day deal.
Next: Hornets Sign O'Bryant to Second 10-Day Deal
With the Charlotte Hornets picking up a win in their last road game of their six-game road trip, they will go home to Charlotte to take on the Indiana Pacers. This is a must win game for the Hornets in their quest to make the playoffs.