Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Outlast the Lakers in Los Angeles, 109-104

By Jerry Stephens

February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) moves in to score a basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) moves in to score a basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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In their second straight game in Los Angeles, the Charlotte Hornets came out on top as Kemba Walker‘s 30-point night led them to victory over the Lakers.

170. Final. 104. 20. 109

The Charlotte Hornets (26-34) were able to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (19-42) as they rebounded from a tough loss to the Clippers in their last outing. Steve Clifford’s side has now won five consecutive regular season games against LA. The big two of Kemba Walker and Frank Kaminsky carried the visiting team to victory past Julius Randle and the Lakers.

While the Hornets were still without Ramon Sessions (knee surgery) and Miles Plumlee (calf strain), Cody Zeller returned to the active roster for the first time since in six games. He was limited to only 18 minutes off the bench but it’s encouraging to see him back on the court. Marvin Williams also played through a right shoulder strain.

Turning Point

The Hornets trailed 88-82 with 7:36 left in the fourth quarter but a 23-10 run over the next seven minutes gave them a seven-point lead, 105-98. That run defined the game as it brought Charlotte back from a deficit to eventually take the lead that would win them the game. Usually, the Hornets are the ones to blow leads in the fourth period but they found a way to close out Los Angeles and come out on top in the end.

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Who Stepped UP

Kemba Walker led the Hornets as he finished the night with a game-high 30 points to go along with seven assists and five rebounds. Frank Kaminsky had a big night in the form of a double-double as he added 24 points and 12 rebounds. Marvin Williams chipped in with 16 points and six boards.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ended the game with 10 points while Marco Belinelli led the bench in scoring with 11 points. Neither Briante Weber nor Johnny O’Bryant III made their Charlotte debuts but Zeller did have six point and five rebounds in his first game back.

The Lakers were led by Julius Randle who scored a team-high 23 points to go along with 18 boards and six assists. D’Angelo Russell came alive in the fourth to make this one interesting as he had 23 points and nine assists in this one. Jordan Clarkson led Los Angeles’ second unit with 16 points off the bench.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

  • Kemba recorded his 11th 30-point game of the season.
  • Frank has scored 20+ points in five of his last 11 games.
  • Marvin Williams passed Matt Carroll (338) for the seventh most three’s made in franchise history.
  • The Hornets out-rebounded the Lakers 46-39.
  • Los Angeles outscored Charlotte 22-5 in fast break points and 56-30 in points in the paint.

With the win, the Hornets improved to 2-0 on the season against the Lakers as they have now swept the season series for the second year in a row. This was a win that was much-needed for Charlotte as they are in the midst of a six-game road trip. They are now 2-2 during that trip.

Next: Why Briante Weber is the Answer at Backup PG

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will stay on the road as they take on the Phoenix Suns for the first time this season. They will only meet twice this year so this is an important matchup. The Hornets are only 1-4 in their last five trips to Phoenix.

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