Charlotte Hornets Lose in Overtime Thriller to the Clippers, 124-121

Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) steals the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5)in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won in OT 124-121. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) steals the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5)in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won in OT 124-121. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

An overtime thriller between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers was highlighted by star players and their performances.

The Charlotte Hornets (25-34) were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers (36-23) in an overtime thriller that had its fair share of questionable calls. Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum led the visiting team as they combined for 65 points but that wasn’t enough to take down LA. This was close to being a big win for Steve Clifford’s side, but instead, it is just another disappointing result.

Once again, the Hornets were without Cody Zeller (quad contusion), Ramon Sessions (knee surgery) and Miles Plumlee (calf strain). Charlotte’s shorthanded squad was still able to compete as players like Frank Kaminsky and Jeremy Lamb stepped up.

Turning Point

This was a game of runs as the teams went back and forth for the entirety of the game. At the beginning of the third quarter, the Hornets trailed 51-68. Things looked bleak until Charlotte went on an 18-1 run to eventually tie the game at 69. This run might not have led to a win for them but it made the game close and led to the exciting finish.

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Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker led the Hornets in this one as he finished with 34 points. Nicolas Batum was right behind him as he ended with 31 points to go along with eight rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Lamb added 19 points and six boards as he led Charlotte’s bench.

Frank Kaminsky chipped in with 16 points, five boards and four assists on the night before fouling out in 27 minutes. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist only scored two points in this one as he fouled out in only 20 minutes of action. With the front court injuries, Christian Wood saw 22 minutes of action as he scored four points and grabbed six rebounds.

The Clippers were led by Blake Griffing who scored a game-high 43 points to go along with 10boards and five assists. JJ Redick scored 22 points while DeAndre Jordan put up a huge double-double with 20 points and 19 rebounds. Chris Paul put up a crazy stat line with 15 points, 17 assists, nine boards and zero turnovers.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"
  • This is the seventh time Kemba and Nic have each scored 20+ points this season.
  • Kemba recorded his 11th game with 30+ points this year.
  • Batum made a season-high eight three-point field goals.
  • This game featured 16 lead change and 11 ties.
  • Charlotte committed 16 turnovers as LA stole the ball 14 times compared to only one from the Hornets.

With the loss, the Hornets fell to 0-2 in their season series against the Clippers. They have now been swept by Los Angeles for the third straight year. Charlotte has now lost six straight games to LA.

Next: Hornets Sign Briante Weber to 10-Day Deal

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will stay in LA to take on the Los Angeles Lakers for their second and final meeting of the season. They will be looking to bounce back after this tough loss to the other LA team. The team from the Queen City will enjoy a day of rest before getting back to action.