Swarm and Sting
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Kemba’s 28 Isn’t Enough as the Charlotte Hornets Fall to LeBron and the Cavs, 112-105

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 24, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets came close to grabbing a signature victory over the Cavs but LeBron James‘ late-game heroics carried Cleveland.

156. 105. 170. Final. 112

The Charlotte Hornets (32-40) were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers (47-24) as their three-game win streak came to an end. Steve Clifford’s side fought hard but they came up short as LeBron James carried the Cavs late. Story of the Hornets’ season as Kemba Walker was outstanding but the team lost a close game to a top opponent.

Johnny O’Bryant was the only injured player to miss the game for Charlotte as he is still recovering from an ankle sprain. Ramon Sessions and Miles Plumlee were cleared to play for the first time since early February but Sessions was inactive for this one while Plumlee didn’t see any minutes.

Game Story and Turning Point

This game was close throughout even though there were only two ties and four lead changes. Despite Cleveland’s best efforts to pull away, Charlotte kept the game within 12 points. With four minutes left in the game, the Hornets came within one point at 100-99. The Cavs pulled away going on a 12-6 run to close out the game. LeBron scored the final seven points of the game for Cleveland.

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Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker led the Hornets as he finished the game with 28 points and five assists. He also made five three’s on the night. Marco Belinelli led the second unit as he scored a surprising 22 points off of the bench. Nicolas Batum added 19 points but struggled to find his rhythm going only 2-9 from three.

Cody Zeller pulled down a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in this one. Marvin Williams also ended the night with a double-double as he put up 11 points and 11 boards. Frank Kaminsky picked a bad night to go cold as he went scoreless in 26 minutes.

The Cavs were led by LeBron James who scored a game-high 32 points to go along with 11 assists and nine rebounds. Kyrie Irving chipped in 26 points and seven rebounds while Kevin Love had 15 points and 11 boards. Aside from the big three, no other Cleveland player scored in double figures.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

  • Kemba scored over 25 points for the 100th time in his career.
  • Walker also passed Glen Rice for the second-most made three’s in a single season for Charlotte.
  • The Hornets grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in this one.
  • Cleveland shot 55.4% from the field compared to only 42.2% for Charlotte.
  • The Cavs had 26 assists while the Hornets only had 18 assists.

With the loss, the Hornets fell to 0-4 against the Cavaliers as Cleveland swept the season series. Charlotte’s not 1-29 in their last 30 games against LeBron James’ led teams. They are now 2-11 against the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.

Next: Georgetown Considering Patrick Ewin

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will host the Phoenix Suns. It will be their second and final matchup against this youthful Suns’ side after dropping the first game in Phoenix earlier this season. In the thick of the playoff race, the Hornets need to bounce back and get back in the win column.

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