Charlotte Hornets: Six Players End up in Double Figures in Loss to Utah

Feb 4, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) looks to pass against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) looks to pass against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets had a chance to win tonight, but even after six players ended up in double figures, it was not enough to hold off the Utah Jazz.

The Charlotte Hornets took a horrible loss to the Utah Jazz tonight. This loss tonight makes it the Hornet’s seventh straight loss. Charlotte led a lot in the game for the most part, but the team went cold in the final moments of the game. Players shined tonight, and Miles Plumlee made a great debut. Kemba Walker also passed Gerald Wallace for all-time scoring, making him second behind Dell Curry.

Our Player of the game is Marvin Williams. This was a tough choice between Williams and Walker. In the end, Marvin was more efficient on the offensive side of the ball and made big plays on defense. Marvin ended his game with a double-double and shooting 50% from the court.

Player Grades

Kemba Walker (A-)

18 PTS 6 AST 2REBS

In the loss, Kemba started off very slowly, but towards the end of the game, he heated up. He made three three’s and had a circus three go in at the buzzer of the third quarter. Kemba also made history, as he passed Gerald Wallace for second all-time in points for the Hornets’ franchise. Expect Kemba to get back to his old self and wreak havoc on opponent’s defenses.

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Nicolas Batum (B)

11 PTS 6 AST 3 REBS

Batum made some good plays. He made some nice shots, while also providing great defense. What messed Batum up tonight, was his turnovers. Nic needs to get back to his old play-making self and rack up the assists. He also needs to up his scoring load. 11 just isn’t enough for a contending team’s second best player.

Frank Kaminsky (B+)

15 PTS 1 AST 2 REBS

Kaminsky had a good night shooting. He started off on fire, putting on the Hornets in a good chance to go on multiple runs. Frank was a playmaker but towards the end of the game, he missed major shots that could have given Charlotte a chance. Franks offensive game has been getting better, but he needs to be a lot more consistent, even in game-defining moments.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (B-)

7 PTS 1 AST 6 REBS

Kidd-Gilchrist had a stellar night. Even though the stats don’t really show it, he made some key defensive plays and made some really nice jump shots. Michael’s defensive has been improving, but he needs to work on his aggressiveness because it causes too many fouls at times. Overall, Kidd-Gilchrist had a good night.

Marvin Williams (A)

16 PTS 1 AST 12 REBS

This grade was simple, Marvin went off. He recorded three three-pointers and was a dominant force on the offensive side of the ball. Marvin also had one block and three steals on the defensive side as well. Through his dominating performance, Williams picked up another double-double to add to his totals.

Miles Plumlee (C+)

4 PTS 0 AST 8 REBS

In Miles’ debut with the Hornets, he shined in his first game. He knocked down two major shots in the game and helped Charlotte a lot on the boards. He looked tired and was gassed early on but that’s probably due to his lack of playing time this season. He did make some important defensive plays in the game as well, recording two blocks.

Marco Belinelli (B)

13 PTS 0 AST 2 REBS

Marco’s hot shooting off the bench helped Charlotte in this one. While making more circus shots, he provided a lot of playmaking on the offensive side of the ball. We can only expect his jump shot to keep improving as he continues to lead the bench.

Brian Roberts (D+)

2 PTS 4 AST 1 REBS

Roberts did not perform as well as he did in previous games. He had little playing time but at times he was a playmaker. As of now, Brian serves as the backup point guard because of Ramon Sessions’ injury. Brian’s play needs to rise even more. If not, Ray McCallum needs to get some playing time.

Jeremy Lamb (B-)

12 PTS 1 AST 2 REBS

Lamb entered the game and made his impact felt immediately. This was his first full game back since returning from a foot injury. His offense was on point and his mid-range shooting proved to be a great boost to the second unit.

Next: Weber Picks Warriors Over Hornets

The Hornets need to wake up and come back to Charlotte with a fire lit under them. They now come home to a four-game homestand starting with the Brooklyn Nets.