The Charlotte Hornets’ road struggles continue as they are now 1-3 away from home so far this season after losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Charlotte Hornets (5-4) were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs (5-4) as Gregg Popovich’s side snapped Charlotte’s three-game win streak. Despite a career-high 27 points from Jeremy Lamb, the Hornets came up short on the road. An unlikely hero stepped up for San Antonio as Bryn Forbes scored a season-high 22 points.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (personal reasons/ excused absence) joined Julyan Stone (hamstring) and Nicolas Batum (left elbow) on the inactive list Michael Carter-Williams (knee soreness) was active for the first time this season but didn’t see any minutes in this one. There is a good chance that MCW could make his season debut during the Hornets’ current road trip.
Game Story
A 15-0 run by San Antonio in the third quarter was the turning point in this one. It came right after Charlotte went on a 15-2 run of their own. Patty Mills‘ four three’s in the final period was also a factor that led to the Spurs’ victory. The Hornets’ second unit struggled all game and only mustered up 16 points as they gave the starters little help. This game featured five ties and seven lead changes.
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Player of the Game
Jeremy Lamb finished with a game-high 27 points on 10-15 shooting from the field to go along with nine rebounds and six assists. The 25-year old led Charlotte with a +/- of +14 for the game. He also played the most minutes of any Hornets’ player at 35. The UCONN product has taken the next step in his development this season and is playing the best basketball of his career.
Dwight Howard recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds while Dwayne Bacon added a career-high 18 points. Surprinsgly, Kemba Walker only put up 13 points and four assists. That’s a season-low in points for the Hornets’ all-star point guard.
The Spurs were led by Bryn Forbes who scored 22 points off of the bench. Rudy Gay chipped in 20 points and seven boards off the bench as well. Patty Mills scored 17 points while LaMarcus Aldridge put up 14 points. Dejounte Murray and Manu Ginobili each scored 10 points to round out San Antonio’s double-digit scorers.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
The Hornets have taken lottery players that looked worse than Dwayne Bacon.
— Jakob (@ShutUpJakob) November 4, 2017
"Quick Stings"
- Lamb has scored 15+ points in all nine games so far this season.
- Howard grabbed his seventh double-double of the year.
- Dwight passed Charles Oakley for 21st all-time on the NBA all-time career rebounding leaderboard. (12,906)
- San Antonio’s second unit outscored Charlotte’s bench 64-16.
- D12 only shot 50% (10-20) from the free throw line.
With the loss, Charlotte falls to 0-1 against San Antonio on the season. The two sides will meet once more this year on November 25th in the Queen City. The Hornets have now three straight games to the Spurs.
Next: Has Superman Dwight Howard returned?
In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. It will be the second game of their current four-game road trip. Steve Clifford’s side will look to bounce back against a strong T-Wolves team and get only their second win away from home this season.