Charlotte Hornets snap five-game skid with home win over the Phoenix Suns, 122-115

Dwight Howard and Nicolas Batum helped the Charlotte Hornets hold off the Phoenix Suns after a late run from the visitors.

The Charlotte Hornets (29-38) defeated the Phoenix Suns (19-49) as they put an end to their five-game losing streak while also sweeping their season series against the Suns. Dwight Howard and Nicolas Batum each recorded double-doubles as they combined for 59 points and 24 rebounds. Despite some close calls, this was a wire-to-wire victory for Charlotte.

Cody Zeller missed the game with left knee soreness. He missed two games with the same ailment from February 28th to March 2nd. Michael Carter-Williams will miss the remainder of the season after electing to have surgery on his injured left shoulder. Marvin Williams suffered a laceration above his left eye in the fourth quarter that kept him out for the rest of the game.

Game Story

Although the Suns never led in this one, they did make it interesting a couple times. The Hornets got out to a fast start with a 20-5 run in the first quarter. Charlotte extended their lead in the third period when they outscored Phoenix, 35-21. The Suns battled back and cut a 22-point Hornets’ lead to start the final quarter to only two points with 2:31 left in the game. That’s as close as they got though as Nicolas Batum hit a clutch three in the final minutes.

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Player of the Game

Dwight Howard finished with a game-high 30 points to go along with 12 rebounds and four blocked shots. The eight-time all-star shot 10-15 from the field and 10-15 from the free throw line. He also only committed one turnover and was a +17 in +/-.

Nicolas Batum added 29 points, 12 boards and seven assists as he ended the game just short of a triple-double. Frank Kaminsky led Charlotte’s second unit with 16 points off of the bench. Marvin Williams had 16 points while Kemba Walker was held to only 11 points and seven assists.

The Suns were led by former Hornet Troy Daniels who scored a team-high 17 points with five made three’s. Phoenix was severely underhanded without Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren. They still had seven players score in double-figures with Davon Reed (16), Dragan Bender (16), Elfrid Payton (14), Shaquille Harrison (14), Tyler Ulis (11) and Jared Dudley (10).

Highlight of the Night:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Dwight passed Larry Nance Sr. for 18th on the NBA’s all-time blocks leaderboard.
• Howard recorded 20+ points and 10+ rebounds for the 18th time this season.
• Malik Monk scored four points in 13 minutes.
• Phoenix’s bench outscored Charlotte’s second unit, 47-28.
• The Hornets out-rebounded the SUns, 41-35.

With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-0 on the season versus Phoenix. The Hornets have now won three straight regular-season games over the Suns dating back to last year. This is the first time they’ve swept Phoenix since the 2010-11 season.

Next: Malik Monk is ready for a bigger role

In their next outing, the Hornets will hit the road and travel to New Orleans to face off against the Pelicans on Tuesday, March 13th. It will be the first game of a five-game road trip for Charlotte. Steve Clifford’s side will look to use this win to spark a run and string a few wins together on the road.