The Charlotte Hornets poured in on the Washington Wizards as they hung a season-high 133 points on their Southeast Division foes.
The Charlotte Hornets (18-25) were able to defeat the Washington Wizards (25-20) in Steve Clifford’s first game back after missing the last 21 outing with health issues. They have now won five of their last seven games and seven of their last 11 in total. Charlotte had seven players score in double-figures.
Cody Zeller missed his 20th straight game as he continues to rehab from knee surgery. Frank Kaminsky was dealing with an ankle injury but played his regular minutes. Two-way player Mangok Mathiang, who was called up from the Greensboro Swarm for this game, was inactive. Michael Carter-Williams and Tim Frazier (Wizards) were both ejected late in the fourth quarter after an altercation took place.
Game Story
This was a game of season-highs for Charlotte as they scored a season-high 38 points in the first quarter, scored a franchise-record 77 points in the first half, had 102 points through three quarters which marked a season-high and ended with 133 points which were a season-high. The Hornets got off to a hot start in this one by making their first 10 shots. Washington only led twice in the entire game while the Queen City team led by as much as 28 points.
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Player of the Game
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist finished the game with a team-high 21 points to go along with four rebounds and three steals. MKG scored all of his 21 points in the first three quarters. He was also a game-high +26 in +/- while shooting 72.7% (8-11) from the field and 83.3% (5-6) from the free throw line. This was only his second 20-point game of the season.
Kemba Walker added 19 points and seven assists while Dwight Howard pulled down a double-double with 18 points and 15 boards. Jeremy Lamb (16) and Frank Kaminsky (14) led the Hornets’ second unit as they combined to score 30 points off of the bench. Marvin Williams‘ 12 points and Nicolas Batum‘s 11 rounded out Charlotte’s double-digit scorers.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with a game-high 26 points in this one. Mike Scott and Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in with 18 and 16 points off of the bench respectively. John Wall was held to only 12 points and nine assists. Three starters in Otto Porter Jr., Markeiff Morris and Marcin Gortat combined for only eight points.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
"Quick Stings"
- Dwight grabbed 15+ rebounds for the 16th time this season.
- Charlotte outscored Washington, 50-30, in points in the paint.
- Howard recorded his 25th double-double of the campaign.
- Marvin has now made 3+ three’s in each of the last three games.
- The Hornets had more steals (10) than turnovers (9).
With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-0 in their season series against Washington. The Hornets have now won three of their last four regular-season games versus the Wizards dating back to last year. The two teams will next face off on February 23rd in the nation’s capital.
Next: 41 facts about the Hornets through 41 games
In their next outing, the Hornets will host the Miami Heat on Saturday, January 20th. Charlotte will look to snap their four-game losing streak to their division rivals at home. This will be the second game of a five-game homestand for Steve Clifford’s side.