The Charlotte Hornets improved to 7-2 at home as they picked up a victory over John Wall, Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards.
The Charlotte Hornets (8-9) were able to defeat the Washington Wizards (10-8) in overtime and have now won three straight games. A big three of Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb and Dwight Howard led Charlotte as they combined for 74 points. The Hornets used a late run in the fourth quarter to complete their comeback.
Nicolas Batum was injured in the first half and didn’t return to the game. He picked up a left elbow contusion which is the same elbow that he tore a ligament in during preseason. It’s unclear if the ailment will keep him sidelined further. Julyan Stone (left hamstring strain) was the lone inactive player for Charlotte.
Game Story
Washington was in control for most of the game and even led by nine points with only 3:32 left in the fourth quarter. Charlotte was able to go on a 12-3 run to tie the game at the end regulation. Kemba’s two clutch free throws with 2 seconds left and Dwight’s block at the buzzer secured overtime. In OT, the Hornets got off to a fast start with a 7-2 run and never looked back. The home team’s free throw shooting was the difference maker in this game.
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Player of the Game
Jeremy Lamb stepped up off of the bench for Charlotte as he ended with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists. He filled in for Nic Batum in the second half, had a number of key plays down the stretch and was a team-high +26 +/- in 37 minutes. He also managed to shoot 52.9% from the field.
Dwight Howard grabbed his ninth double-double of the season as he finished the game with 26 points and 13 rebounds. He shot 76.9 (10-13) from the field and 60% (6-10) from the free throw line. Kemba Walker added 24 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Frank Kaminsky, Marvin Williams and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist each put up 12 points while Michael Carter-Williams scored 11 off of the bench.
The Wizards were led by John Wall who scored a game-high 31 points while also dropping 11 dimes. Bradley Beal chipped in with 22 points while Mike Scott had 13 off of the bench. Markieff Morris (14) and Otto Porter Jr. (12) rounded out Washington’s double-figure scorers in this one.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
"Quick Stings"
- For the third consecutive game, Steve Clifford benched Malik Monk in favor of MCW.
- Charlotte out-rebounded Washington, 48-43.
- Kemba recorded his 12th 20+ scoring game of the season.
- The Hornets shot 82.5% (33-40) from the free throw line.
- Dwight Howard recorded the 674th double-double of his career.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 1-0 against Washington. The two divisional rivals will next meet on January 17th. The win also matches Charlotte’s win total that they had last season against the Wizards. After going 0-6 in overtime last season, the Hornets were victorious in their first overtime game this year.
Next: Clifford benches Monk because of defensive issues
In their next outing, the Hornets will take on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time this season. It’s worth noting that this game is in Cleveland as Charlotte’s only 1-7 away from home so far this season. Steve Clifford’s side will look to extend their win streak to four games against The King and the reigning Eastern Conference champions.