Kemba Goes Off for 37 but the Charlotte Hornets Fall to the Wizards, 118-111

Kemba and the Charlotte Hornets dropped an important game in their quest for the playoffs as the Wizards’ backcourt proved to be too much for them to handle.

The Charlotte Hornets (36-42) were defeated by the Washington Wizards (47-31) as their four-game win streak was snapped. Kemba Walker tried his best to carry his team with 37 points but the backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal led the home side to a victory over the surging visitors. An unlikely hero in Jason Smith helped push Washington past Charlotte.

The Hornets were at full strength despite Ramon Sessions and Johnny O’Bryant being inactive. Sessions was a healthy scratch for the seventh straight game while O’Bryant has been out since being injured on March 8th.

Game Story and Turning Point

This was a tale of two halves. Even though Charlotte led by 12 points at halftime, they came out flat in the third quarter. The Wizards outscored the Hornets 36-18 in the third period and 67-48 over the course of the second half. Not only was Charlotte’s defense abysmal in the second half but their inability to defend the three-point line was their downfall in this one. Washington knocked down 17 three’s and shot 50% from deep. Also, an uncharacteristic 12 turnovers from the Hornets didn’t help their cause.

Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker led the way for the Hornets as he finished with a game-high 37 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Marco Belinelli came off of the bench and scored 16 points while Nicolas Batum added 13 points and eight assists. Cody Zeller grabbed a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards in this one.

Frank Kaminsky chipped in 12 points and five rebounds off of the bench. Marvin Williams was silent as he only scored two points in 29 minutes. Even though Charlotte had five players score in double-figures, it was another case of them relying too heavily on Kemba to do everything.

The Wizards were led by John Wall who dropped 23 points and 13 assists. He also recorded six steals on the night. His backcourt partner in Bradley Beal scored 19 points. Jason Smith had one of his best games of the year as he tied a season-high with 17 points with five three’s. Kelly Oubre also helped Washington by scoring 15.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

FYI: WAS makes 9 3s/game. Against the #Hornets tonight, they have 17 & counting. CHA defense may need some adjusting in offseason.
— Richie (@richierandall) April 5, 2017

"Quick Stings"

Charlotte will now finish with a record under .500.
Cody recorded his sixth double-double of the season.
Kemba scored 30+ points for the 15th time this year.
Walker became only the 12th player in NBA history to make at least 230 three’s in a single season.
Washington’s second unit outscored Charlotte’s bench 49-41.

With the loss, the Hornets fall to 1-3 against the Wizards this season. That is how their season series will end as Charlotte dropped both games in Washington. This one hurts the most though as it likely puts an end to the team’s playoff push.

Next: 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte?

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will return to the Queen City to host the Miami Heat. It will be the fourth and final meeting between the divisional rivals this season with Charlotte holding the 2-1 advantage. Depending on other results in the East, Steve Clifford’s side will either be out of the postseason race or still in the thick of things with just four games left.

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