The Charlotte Hornets outworked the Los Angeles Lakers as they picked up their fourth win in their last six games.
The Charlotte Hornets (15-23) were able to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (11-27) as they ended their California road trip on a high note. Charlotte spoiled Lonzo Ball‘s return as they had six players score in double-figures. Kemba Walker lifted his team to victory as he scored 19 points to go along with seven assists.
Cody Zeller missed his 15th consecutive game after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. Every healthy Hornets’ player saw minutes in this one including rookies, Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon, as well as third-string point guard Julyan Stone. Both two-way players, Mangok Mathiang and Marcus Paige, were in the G-League with the Greensboro Swarm for this game.
Game Story
The Hornets had control of the game for most of the night as there was only one lead change in this game. They even pushed their lead to as much as 25 points in the second half. The major keys for Charlotte were their 16 offensive rebounds that led to over 20+ second-chance points and their 24 fast break points.
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Player of the Game
Kemba Walker finished the game with a team-high 19 points. He also dished out seven assists and recorded four steals. Although the all-star point guard only shot 8-17 from the field, he did make three three’s and was a +12 in +/-.
Jeremy Lamb added 17 points off of the bench as he led Charlotte’s second unit while Marvin Williams scored 16 points with four made shots from deep. Dwight Howard grabbed a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (13) and Frank Kaminsky (12) rounded out the Hornets’ double-digit scorers.
The Lakers were led by Brandon Ingram who scored a game-high 22 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Julius Randle chipped in with 15 points and 10 boards while Brook Lopez and Lonzo Ball each scored 11 points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored zero points in 20 minutes for Los Angeles.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
"Quick Stings"
- Charlotte out-rebounded LA, 56-46
- MKG passed J.R. Reid for seventh place on the Hornets’ all-time offensive rebounding leaderboard. (563)
- Dwight passed Charles Barkley for 18th on the NBA’s all-time rebounding list. (12,547)
- Howard recorded his 21st double-double of the season.
- The Hornets shot 36.4% (12-33) from three in this one.
With the win, Charlotte evens up their season series against Los Angeles at 1-1. This was the second and final meeting between the two sides this year. The Hornets have won six of their last seven regular-season games versus the Lakers.
Next: When was the Hornets best chance at an NBA Title?
In their next game, the Hornets will return after to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, January 10th in what will be their first matchup of the season. Charlotte went 3-1 on their four-game road trip with a win over the Warriors. Kemba Walker and company will look to bring their momentum from this road trip back to the Queen City.