Swarm and Sting
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Turnovers Doom the Charlotte Hornets in 107-95 Loss to Houston

By Jerry Stephens

Feb 9, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Jeremy Lamb (3) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Rockets win 107-95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Jeremy Lamb (3) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Rockets win 107-95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Harden’s near triple-double led his Houston Rockets past the Charlotte Hornets who struggled with turnovers.

Final. 107. 169. 95. 170

The Charlotte Hornets (24-29) were defeated by the Houston Rockets (39-17) as James Harden and company were too much to handle at home. Charlotte’s turnovers caught up with them as they struggled to take care of the ball all night. After snapping their seven-game losing streak last time out, the Hornets couldn’t string wins together.

Cody Zeller returned to the Hornets’ starting lineup after missing the last seven games due to a quad contusion. Unfortunately, he read frigates the injury in the third quarter and didn’t return. Ramon Sessions missed his third consecutive game as he will be out likely 4-6 after knee surgery.

Turning Point

The Hornets had a four point lead at halftime but that quickly evaporated in the third quarter. James Harden’s one-legged three-pointer to beat the shot clock buzzer to give Houston a 69-65 lead. That shot was part of a run where the Rockets shot 6-9 from three to start the second half. Even after a solid first half, Charlotte once again fell apart in the second as their turnovers caught up with them.

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Who Stepped Up

Nicolas Batum led the Hornets as he finished with 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Kemba Walker added an underwhelming 14 points to go along with five assists and five boards. Marvin Williams chipped with with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Marco Belinelli was the only double figure scorer of the bench for Charlotte as he ended with 10 points and four boards. Ray McCallum still has not appeared in a game with the team.

The Rockets were led by James Harden who recorded a near triple-double with a game-high 30 points, 11 rebounds and eight dimes. Patrick Beverley scored 17 points while Montrezl Harrell scored 15 points off of the bench. Ryan Anderson scored 14 as Trevor Ariza and Clint Capela each had 11 points.

  • Charlotte committed a season-high 21 turnovers.
  • The Rockets outscored the Hornets by 16 points the second half.
  • This game featured seven ties and three lead changes.
  • Nic Batum recorded a season-high eight assists in the first half.
  • Kemba recorded his 42nd game with multiple three-pointers made.

With the loss, the Hornets fell to 0-2 on the season against the Rockets. That is how their season series will end as this was their second and final matchup.

Next: Watch Barack Obama on the Charlotte Hornets

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will host Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and the Los Angeles Clippers. It will be the first meeting of the season between the two sides. They will be looking to bounce back against Lob City.

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