Charlotte Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks in preseason finale, 111-96

Kemba Walker led the way for the Charlotte Hornets as they snapped their two-game losing streak and ended the preseason with the win over Dallas.

The Charlotte Hornets (2-3) were able to defeat the Dallas Mavericks (4-2) in their preseason finale. Kemba Walker and company got a confidence-boosting win to close out the preseason. Charlotte’s rookies, Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon, continued to impress as they each scored 14 points.

Steve Clifford’s side was short six players as Nicolas Batum (elbow), Michael Carter-Williams (knee), Treveon Graham (hamstring), Jeremy Lamb (groin), Julyan Stone (hamstring) and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (personal) were all out for the team’s final exhibition game. Even though they were a bit shorthanded, it allowed Coach Clifford to play almost all of his players.

Game Story

This was a relatively close game throughout the first three quarters as neither team led by more than 10 points. Charlotte took control in the fourth quarter as they pushed their lead to as much as 18 points. The Hornets ended up outscoring the Mavericks, 29-15, in the final period.

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Player of the Game:

Kemba Walker scored a team-high 18 points for Charlotte to go along with four assists and four rebounds. This was arguably the point guards’ best and most complete game so far this preseason. Despite committing four turnovers, he was able to put together a respectable stat line while shooting 50% from the field and 66.7% from three.

In only 19 minutes of action, Johnny O’Bryant managed to put up 15 points and six boards. Frank Kaminsky made four shots from beyond the arc as he scored 12 points while grabbing seven rebounds. Marvin Williams and Cody Zeller each scored 11 points to round out the Hornets’ double-digit scorers.

As for Dallas, they were led by Harrison Barnes who scored a game-high 24 points. Dirk Nowitzki, who is entering his 20th season with the Mavs this year, put up 14 points and nine rebounds. Rookie and former NC State guard, Dennis Smith, almost recorded a double-double with 10 points and nine assists.

Highlight of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Charlotte out-rebounded Dallas 50-37.
• The Hornets’ turnover issues continued as they recorded 22 giveaways.
• Dwayne Bacon scored a career-high 14 points.
• Charlotte shot 56.7% (17-30) from three.
• Isaiah Hicks made his Hornets’ debut in this one.

With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-3 this preseason. After winning both games against Dallas last season, the Hornets continued their success. They will meet the Mavs twice during the regular season with the first meeting coming on January 10th in the Queen City and the second away from home on March 24th.

Next: The case for starting Malik Monk over Jeremy Lamb

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will take on the Detroit Pistons in what will be the regular season opener. The two sides faced off during the preseason with Charlotte coming out on top, 108-106. This will be the first regular season game in Little Caesars’ Arena.