Kemba Walker‘s big night led the Charlotte Hornets to victory as they snapped the Orlando Magic’s three-game win streak.
The Charlotte Hornets (3-3) were able to defeat the Orlando Magic (4-2) as they picked up a win at home over the best team (record-wise) in the Eastern Conference heading into this one. The big three of Kemba Walker, Dwight Howard and Jeremy Lamb led the way as they combined for 76 points. A near triple-double from Kemba canceled out a career night for Orlando’s Jonathon Simmons.
Injuries continue to plague Charlotte as they were without Nicolas Batum (left elbow), Julyan Stone (strained hamstring), Michael Carter-Williams (knee soreness) and Frank Kaminsky (illness) who was a game-time decision. Cody Zeller returned to the Hornets’ rotation after missing the last four games with a bone bruise in his right knee. In only his second appearance of the season, the big man put up six points and six rebounds in 18 minutes of action.
Game Story
Entering the game, the Hornets were one of only nine teams in the NBA to average under 100 points per game. They managed to score a season-high 120 points in this one and outscore the second-highest scoring team in the league. The turning point was in the second quarter. After the Magic took a one-point lead at the 8:05 mark, Charlotte went on a 25-9 run to take a 15-point lead before the half. Orlando never regained the lead.
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Player of the Game:
Kemba Walker finished the game with 34 points on 15-25 shooting to go along with 10 assists and six rebounds. He was also a game-high +22 in +/-. The all-star point guard scored 11 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter. He also became only the third Hornets’ player to ever put up at least 30 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in a single game. The last was Raymond Felton in 2006.
Dwight Howard continued his dominant play with 22 points and 10 boards. He has now recorded a double-double in three straight games and in five of his six games so far this season. Jeremy Lamb added 20 points, seven assists and six rebounds while Marvin Williams put up a quiet double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Orlando Magic were led by Jonathon Simmons who scored a career-high 27 points off of the bench. Evan Fournier, who was celebrating his 25th birthday, chipped in 23 points. Aaron Gordon and Terrence Ross each scored 17 points while Nikola Vucevic had 15 points and 11 boards.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
"Quick Stings"
- Kemba set a new season-high for points and assists.
- Every starter for Charlotte scored in double-figures.
- Jeremy Lamb has scored 15+ points in every game so far this season.
- MKG scored in double-digits for the first time this year.
- The Hornets out-rebounded the Magic, 59-40, and outscored Orlando in points in the paint, 68-40.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 1-0 in their season series against Orlando and 3-1 at home. The two sides will meet four total times this season with their next affair coming on December 4th. After going 4-0 against the Magic last year, the Hornets are looking to sweep their divisional rivals once again this campaign.
Next: Has Superman Dwight Howard returned?
In their next outing, the Hornets will hit the road to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only will this be the second night of a back to back for Charlotte but it will be a real test for them. Steve Clifford’s side will look to string together two big wins.