Charlotte Hornets snap six-game skid with win over the Los Angeles Clippers, 102-87
Led by Kemba Walker, the Charlotte Hornets got their first win since November 1st as they improved to 5-2 at home.
The Charlotte Hornets (6-9)were able to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers (5-10) as they finally put an end to their losing streak. Yet another big game from Kemba Walker carried the Queen City team to victory. As for the Clippers, they continue their free fall as they have now lost eight straight games.
Kemba Walker (left wrist sprain) was questionable coming into this one but the injury didn’t look to bother him too much as he started and played 35 minutes. Julyan Stone (strained hamstring) was the lone inactive player for Charlotte. Jeremy Lamb went back to the locker room in the fourth quarter with a right hamstring strain and did not return.
Game Story
Even though Charlotte controlled most of the game, they couldn’t pull away from Los Angeles until late in the fourth. After LA took an 80-79 lead with 8:30 left in the fourth quarter, Charlotte took control. They ended the game on a 23-7 run. The Hornets ended up outscoring the Clippers 29-16 in the final period. This game featured six ties and 12 lead changes. The home team’s ability to close down the stretch was the key difference in this one.
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Player of the Game
Kemba Walker followed up his 47-point performance last time out with a game-high 26 points in this one. He also added six assists to his stat line. Although he only shot 8-17 from the field, the all-star point guard was on fire from deep as he made six of nine three’s.
Jeremy Lamb led the second unit as he scored 17 points to go along with four rebounds off of the bench. Dwight Howard grabbed a big double-double with 16 points and 16 boards on the night. Nicolas Batum added 12 points and seven assists while Marvin Williams chipped in with 10 points.
The Clippers were led by Lou Williams who 25 points in 29 minutes off of the bench. Blake Griffin had 19 points and eight rebounds. DeAndre Jordan put up a double-double with 10 points and 14 boards. Those were the only three players who scored in double-figures for LA.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
Lost in all the negativity of the losses, MKG is shooting 61 pct from the field in his limited action this season.
— Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) November 19, 2017
14 pct higher than career average.
"Quick Stings"
- Malik Monk saw zero minutes in this one.
- Kemba made 5+ three’s for the second consecutive outing.
- Dwight now has 730 career games with 10+ rebounds which ties Charles Barkley for sixth all-time.
- Howard recorded his eighth double-double of the season.
- The Hornets outscored the Clippers, 13-3 in fastbreak points.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 1-0 in their season series versus Los Angeles. The Hornets ended a six-game losing streak to the Clippers that dated back to the 2014-15 season. These two sides will meet once more on December 31st in LA.
Next: The honeymoon phase is over for Dwight and Charlotte
In their next outing, the Hornets will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, November 20th. Steve Clifford’s side fell to the T-Wolves on November 5th so they will be looking to get revenge this time around. Charlotte will attempt to climb back to .500 by stringing together a couple wins.