Despite having four players score at least 20 points, the Charlotte Hornets couldn’t take down the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Charlotte Hornets (29-39) were defeated by the New Orleans Pelicans (39-28) as they dropped their fourth straight game on the road and six of their last seven games in total. Dwight Howard, Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum and Frank Kaminsky all scored at least 20 points but it still wasn’t enough to overcome Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday who combined for 56 points in this one.
Cody Zeller missed his second straight game with left knee soreness. The Hornets were also without Michael Carter-Williams who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Postgame, Steve Clifford mentioned that Jeremy Lamb hurt his back a bit in the second half.
Game Story
This game featured nine ties and eight lead changes. The Hornets took a six-point lead in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold onto their lead after New Orleans went on a 19-8 run to take a 117-112 lead late in the final period. It’s worth noting that after scoring 20 points in the first half, Kemba Walker only scored two points in the second half and zero in the fourth quarter.
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Player of the Game
Dwight Howard finished the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds as he recorded his 41st double-double of the season. The eight-time all-star managed to shoot an impressive 75% (9-12) from the field and 57.1% (4-7) from the free throw line while also blocking three shots.
Kemba Walker added 22 points and seven assists while Nicolas Batum filled the stat sheet with 20 points, eight assists, five boards and four steals. Frank Kaminsky led Charlotte’s second unit as he scored 21 points off of the bench. Jeremy Lamb also scored in double-figures off of the bench with 16 points.
The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis who scored a game-high 31 points to go along with 14 rebounds and five blocks. Jrue Holiday chipped in with 25 points and nine rebounds while Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 17 assists. Former Bobcat Emeka Okafor put up 14 points and eight rebounds on the night. E’Twaun Moore (14), Ian Clark (12) and Nikola Mirotic (11) rounded out New Orleans’ double-digit scorers.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
"Quick Stings"
- Kemba scored 20+ points for the 43rd time this season.
- Walker recorded his 51st game with at least two made three’s this year.
- Charlotte’s bench outscored New Orleans’ second unit, 42-23.
- The Pelicans outscored the Hornets in fastbreak points 28-15.
- NOP outscored CHA 78-64 in the paint.
With the loss, Charlotte falls to 0-2 in their season series against New Orleans. The Hornets have now lost four straight regular-season games to the Pelicans and have been swept in back to back years. Their last win over New Orleans came in the 2015-16 campaign.
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In their next game, the Hornets will travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Thursday, March 15th. Charlotte will attempt to sweep their divisional rivals as they’ve already defeated ATL in their previous three meetings this season. Steve Clifford’s side will look to bounce back and get a win away from home.