Kemba Walker’s 29 points helped lead the Charlotte Hornets to a much-needed victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Charlotte Hornets (20-27) were able to defeat the Atlanta Hawks (14-34) as they closed out their five-game homestand with a win. Despite the second unit’s struggles, the Hornets’ starters picked up the slack as Kemba Walker, Dwight Howard, Nicolas Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist combined to score 85 points. Charlotte outlasted their divisional rivals with the help of a late fourth-quarter run.
Cody Zeller was the only player on Charlotte’s injury report for this game as he missed his 24th consecutive outing. The good news is that he is getting close to returning as he was cleared to return to practice. Dwight Howard picked up his 11th technical of the season and will be suspended one game if he gets 16.
Game Story
The game was fairly close throughout but the Hornets managed to pull away late. Charlotte was down 110-109 with 2:59 remaining in the fourth quarter when they went on a 12-0 run to end the game. This affair featured 12 lead changes and 10 ties. Atlanta’s sloppy play cost them the game as they committed 21 turnovers compared to only 11 from Charlotte.
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Player of the Game
Before the game, Dwight Howard said that he wanted to “kill” the Hawks (his former team) and kill them he did. The eight-time all-star finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks. He recorded his seventh straight game with at least 15 boards and the set a new season-high in rejections. He also went 10-15 from the free throw line and was a +15 in +/-.
Kemba Walker added a game-high 29 points to go along with four assists, four rebounds and three steals. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Nicolas Batum each scored 19 points while Jeremy Lamb led the second unit with 12 points off of the bench. Marvin Williams was quietly impactful with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Hawks were led by Kent Bazemore who put up 26 points and Taurean Prince who chipped in with 21 points for the game. Mike Muscala had 14 points off of the bench while Dennis Schroder was held to only 11 points. Ersan Ilyasova (11) and John Collins (10) rounded out Atlanta’s double-digit scorers.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
Kemba Walker rose to the occasion and the supporting cast followed. CHA gets the win over Atlanta #Hornets.
— SportsFromMyEyes (@JustinThomasNBA) January 27, 2018
"Quick Stings"
- The Hornets are now 1-0 in their “Buzz City” uniforms.
- Dwight recorded his seventh straight double-double and his 29th of the season.
- Atlanta’s bench outscored Charlotte’s, 37-25.
- The Hornets outscored the Hawks, 42-38, in points in the paint.
- Charlotte recorded 13 steals in this one.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-0 on the season against Atlanta. The Hornets have now won two straight and five of last six regular-season games against the Hawks. They will next face off on January 31st in the ATL.
Next: Rumor: Hornets tried to engage Spurs over Kawhi trade
In their next game, the Hornets will hit the road to take on the Miami Heat on Saturday, January 27th. It will be the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two division rivals as Charlotte will look to avoid being swept. Steve Clifford’s side could make a statement with a victory over the top team in the division.