Dwight Howard leads the Charlotte Hornets past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 118-102
Dwight Howard‘s big night led the Charlotte Hornets to a statement victory over Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Charlotte Hornets (7-9) were able to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves (10-7) to pick up their second straight win. Dwight Howard’s “Barbara Walters Special” (20/20) led the Queen City team to yet another home win as they are now 6-2 at the Spectrum Center this season. Frank Kaminsky added a season-high 24 points as well.
Julyan Stone (strained hamstring) was the only inactive player for Charlotte. Jeremy Lamb (right hamstring tightness) and Marvin Williams (left quad soreness) were both probable for this game and ended up playing their regular minutes with no restrictions. Kemba Walker went back to the locker room early in the second quarter for an unknown reason but returned shortly after.
Game Story
This was a close game from the start as neither team led by more than seven points through the first three periods. This affair featured 20 lead changes and 14 ties. The Hornets broke things open in the fourth outscoring the T-Wolves 34-22 in the final period. They went on an 11-3 run to start the fourth quarter. Even though Charlotte committed 17 turnovers, they dominated the battle of the boards, 52-38, and the points in the paint, 48-38.
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Player of the Game
Dwight Howard led Charlotte with the 49th 20/20 game of his career. He recorded a monster double-double with 25 points and 20 rebounds while shooting 8-10 from the field and a surprising 9-14 from the free throw line. He also added four blocks to his stat line.
After going 1-9- last time out, Frank Kaminsky scored a season-high 24 points which were only three points shy of his career-high. Nicolas Batum chipped in with 17 points while Jeremy Lamb led the second unit with 16 points off of the bench. Kemba Walker only scored 14 points on the night but got help from his supporting cast.
The T-Wolves were led by Jamal Crawford who put up 19 points off of the bench. Jeff Teague and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 18 points. KAT added 12 boards to grab a double-double. Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins were held to only 14 and 11 points.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
Dwight Howard had 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks tonight
— Laieke Abebe (@StrikaNation24_) November 21, 2017
The last time he had those numbers was February 17th, 2012🔥
"Quick Stings"
- For the second consecutive game, Malik Monk was benched in favor of Michael Carter-Williams.
- Dwight became the first Hornets’ player since Big Al in 2013 to record a 20/20 game.
- Nic scored a season-high in this one.
- Howard recorded his 731st career 10+ rebound game passing Charles Barkley for sixth all-time.
- Kemba’s streak of five straight games of 20+ points was snapped.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 1-1 against Minnesota this season. After falling to the Timberwolves back on November 5th, the Hornets were able to get revenge against the Western Conference team. This was the last meeting of the year between the two sides.
Next: How Nic Batum can help save the Hornets
In their next outing, the Hornets will take on John Wall, Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, November 22nd. This is the first time the divisional rivals will face off so far this season. Steve Clifford’s side will look to close out their three-game homestand with a third consecutive victory.