Kemba Scores 31 Points as the Charlotte Hornets Defeat the Phoenix Suns, 120-106

Kemba and the rest of the Charlotte Hornets’ starters led the way as they outlasted Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns at home.

The Charlotte Hornets (33-40) were able to defeat the Phoenix Suns (22-52) as they bounced back from their recent loss to the Cavs to continue their late push for the playoffs. Charlotte’s starters came out on fire and didn’t slow down. Phoenix had no answer for Kemba Walker as he scored 31 points and the Suns dropped their seventh straight.

Johnny O’Bryant was the Hornets only player to sit out because of an injury as he is still dealing with an ankle sprain. Ramon Sessions and Miles Plumlee were both cleared to play once again but Sessions was a healthy scratch on the inactive list. As for Plumlee, he was active but didn’t see any minutes in this one.

Game Story and Turning Point

This game looked over as soon as it tipped off with the Hornets jumping out to a 22-3 lead to start the game. Despite holding their lead in the first half and leading by 22 at halftime, Phoenix didn’t roll over in the second half. Instead, the Suns fought back and brought the game to within single digits multiple times as the Hornets’ second unit struggled. Luckily for Charlotte, their big lead to start the game was enough of a cushion to keep them out in front and their starters carried them late.

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Luckily for Charlotte, their big lead to start the game was enough of a cushion to keep them out in front and their starters carried them late. The Suns were only down four points with just over four minutes left in the game but a 13-0 run led by Kemba put this game to rest. The Hornets ended up closing the game on a 15-5 run.

Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker led Charlotte in this one as he finished with a game-high 31 points to go along with nine assists and four rebounds. Marvin Williams added 21 points and seven boards while Nicolas Batum recorded a near triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Cody Zeller scored 16 points and pulled down seven boards in this one. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist rounded out the impressive night from the starters with 14 points on the night.

Frank Kaminsky was the only solid contributor off of the bench with 10 points in 29 minutes. Briante Weber and Jeremy Lamb struggled mightily only scoring a combined 2 points on 1-8 shooting. Marco Belinelli scored eight points but once again, the Hornets’ second unit let them down for the most part.

Coming off of a 70-point game in his last outing, Devin Booker was held to only 23 points in this one. T.J. Warren had himself a night with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double. The 5’9 Tyler Ulis almost had a double-double of his own with 16 points and nine assists.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Kemba recorded his 13th 30+ point game of the season.
• Marvin tied a career-high with five made three’s.
• Nic recorded his 800th assist as a member of the Hornets.
• Pheonix outscored Charlotte 50-30 in points in the paint.
• The Hornets shot (14-30) 46.7% from the three-point line.

With the win, the Hornets evened up the season series against the Suns at one game apiece. That is how their matchup will end this year as this was their second and final game on the schedule. This is the third straight season where Charlotte and Phoenix have split their season series.

Next: LeBron Praises Kemba Walker's Improvement

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will host the Milwaukee Bucks. This will be the second of three total meetings on the season between the two sides after the Bucks came out on top last time out. Just like very game remaining on the schedule, this will be an important one for Steve Clifford’s side as they attempt to make an improbable run towards the postseason.