Charlotte Hornets Snap Three-Game Skid With Victory Over Washington

A team effort led the Charlotte Hornets as they got a big win over one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference at home.

The Charlotte Hornets (30-39) were able to defeat the Washington Wizards (42-27) as they got back in the win column. Cody Zeller led the team effort but clutch play down the stretch from Kemba Walker and Frank Kaminsky sealed the much-needed victory. Even though the team’s playoff hopes are dwindling, this was a big win over John Wall and company.

Ramon Sessions (knee surgery), Miles Plumlee (calf strain) and Johnny O’Bryant (ankle sprain) all remained out. It is still unclear when and if Sessions and/or Plumlee will return this season. On a lighter note, Nicolas Batum returned to action after missing the last two games with a scary migraine injury.

Game Story and Turning Point

The first three-quarters of this game were a snoozefest. Neither team could seem to find a rhythm but Charlotte turned things up at the end of the third. After both sides were held under 50 points in the first half, the Hornets made a late push by scoring 59 points in the second half and 34 in the fourth quarter. The offenses picked up in the final period but Frank Kaminsky’s 11 points in the fourth were the turning point for the home side.

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Who Stepped Up

Cody Zeller led the way for the Hornets as he finished with 19 points, five rebounds and four steals. Kemba Walker added 16 points and six assists while Marvin Williams chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds in this one. Frank Kaminsky scored 14 points off of the bench to lead the second unit.

Marco Belinelli had 11 points on the night. Even though Nicolas Batum struggled to score with only eight points, he did contribute with 10 rebounds and five assists to his name.

The Wizards were led by John Wall who had 19 points and eight assists. His backcourt mate in Bradley Beal was right behind him with 18 points. Otto Porter Jr. scored 16 points and Bojan Bogdanovic‘s 12 rounded out the double-digit scorers.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Nic recorded his 13th 10+ rebound game.
• Cody recorded a season-high four steals.
• Zeller also scored 15+ points for the first time since January.
• The Hornets recorded their eighth sellout of the season.
• Charlotte’s second unit outscored Washington’s bench 31-26.

With the win, the Hornets improved to 1-2 against the Wizards this season. The two teams will meet once more this year in Washington as Charlotte will look to even up their series.

Next: Hornets Sign Weber to a Multi-Year Deal

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will host their divisional rivals in the Atlanta Hawks. It will be the third of four meetings between the two sides and the final one in the Queen City. After this big win, the Hornets will look to have a strong finish to the season.