Dwight Howard leads the Charlotte Hornets past the Brooklyn Nets, 111-105
Dwight Howard‘s 30-30 game led the Charlotte Hornets to an incredible second-half comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets.
The Charlotte Hornets (31-41) were able to defeat the Brooklyn Nets (23-49) as they snapped their two-game losing streak. Dwight Howard had a historic game as he put up 32 points and 30 rebounds. Despite only making three shots from beyond the arc the whole game, the Hornets were able to complete an improbable 23-point comeback.
Cody Zeller (left knee soreness) missed his sixth consecutive game while Nicolas Batum (left Achilles soreness) and Michael Carter-Williams (left shoulder surgery) were also out for Charlotte. Jeremy Lamb started in place of Nic for the second straight game. Rookies Dwayne Bacon and Malik Monk saw significant minutes in the rotation.
Game Story
The Hornets trailed by 19 points at halftime and were down by as much as 23 points in the second half. Dwight Howard put up 19 points and 12 rebounds in the third quarter to help Charlotte get back into the game. The Hornets outscored the Nets 36-18 in the fourth quarter. Charlotte trailed 93-103 with 4:11 left in the final period as they closed the game on an 18-2.
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Player of the Game:
Dwight Howard recorded only the second 30-30 game since 1982 with the other being Kevin Love in 2010. The eight-time all-star finished the night with a game-high 32 points to go along with a career-high and a franchise record 30 rebounds. He also recorded 11 offensive rebounds.
Kemba Walker added 24 points on 6-25 shooting to go along with six assists and five boards. Jeremy Lamb chipped in with 17 points and seven rebounds while Frank Kaminsky led Charlotte’s second unit with 11 points off of the bench. Marvin Williams scored zero points in 22 minutes of play.
The Nets were led by D’Angelo Russell who ended the game with a team-high 19 points. Caris LeVert had 14 points off of Brooklyn’s bench while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Spencer Dinwiddie each scored 13 points. DeMarre Carroll and Joe Harris rounded out the double-digit scorers as they both put up 11 points.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
Congrats to @DwightHoward the new Mr. 30/30. Hell of a night!!!
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) March 22, 2018
"Quick Stings"
- Dwight became only the eighth player in NBA history to record a 30-point, 30-rebound game.
- Charlotte’s 23-point comeback win is the second biggest in franchise history.
- Howard picked up his 16th technical foul of the season which means he will be suspended for one game.
- The Hornets out-rebounded the Nets, 68-46.
- Charlotte only shot 18.8% (3-16) from three but made 36 of 37 free throws.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-1 on the year against Brooklyn as they won the season series. The Hornets have now won four of their last five regular-season games versus the Nets. The Queen City team has now three straight season series over Brooklyn.
Next: The Charlotte Hornets' best-kept secret
In their next game, the Hornets will return home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, March 22nd. It will be the second night of a back to back and the final meeting between the two sides this season. Steve Clifford’s side will look to sweep the season series versus Marc Gasol and company.