Kemba Walker’s 46 points leads the Charlotte Hornets past the Memphis Grizzlies, 140-79
Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets completely dominated the Memphis Grizzlies in a blowout victory for the Queen City team.
The Charlotte Hornets (32-41) were able to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies (19-53) as they picked up their second straight time. Kemba Walker had an incredible game as he put up 46 points and 10 made three-point shots made in only three quarters. The Grizzlies have now lost 22 of their last 23 games. Charlotte’s 140 points were one shy of their franchise record.
Cody Zeller (left knee soreness) missed his seventh consecutive game while Nicolas Batum (left Achilles soreness) was out for the third straight outing. Dwight Howard also missed the game as he served a one-game suspension for picking up his 16th technical foul of the season. Malik Monk suffered a right-hand contusion in the first half and didn’t play in the second half.
Game Story
Kemba outscored the Grizzlies, 17-14, in the first quarter and were up by 33 points at halftime. Charlotte led by as much as 65 points in the fourth quarter. It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Hornets as Memphis never led in this one. The Queen City team made 19 three’s compared to only four for the Grizzlies.
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Player of the Game:
Kemba Walker finished the game with 46 points to go along with four assists and three rebounds. The all-star point guard made a franchise record 10 three’s and was a +47 in +/-. His 17 points in the first quarter were a season-high for any Hornets’ player and his 35 first-half points tied his own team record for most in any half.
Dwayne Bacon led the second unit as he scored 15 points off of the bench. Marvin Williams added 15 points and six rebounds while Frank Kaminsky chipped in with 14 points. Jeremy Lamb scored 12 points. Willy Hernangomez had a double-double with 10 points and 12 boards.
The Grizzlies were led by Wayne Seldon who scored a team-high 21 points on 7-12 shooting. Tyreke Evans put up 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists but also turned the ball over six times. Jarrell Martin rounded out Memphis’ double-digit scorers with 12 points on the night.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
Kemba Walker is the 3rd player in NBA history to make at least 10 3-pointers and 10 free throws in a game. Joe Dumars did it in 1994 and Kyrie Irving did it in 2015.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 23, 2018
"Quick Stings"
- Marcus Paige and Mangok Mathiang each scored their first NBA baskets.
- Kemba scored 30+ points for the 55th time in his career.
- Walker put up 40+ points for the ninth time in his career.
- Charlotte out-rebounded Memphis 53-38.
- The Hornets scored 31 points off of the Grizzlies’ 19 turnovers.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-0 on the year against Memphis as they swept the season series. The Hornets have now won three straight regular-season games over the Grizzlies.
Next: Ranking Hornets players by their college careers
In their next outing, the Hornets will hit the road to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, March 24th. It will be the second and final meeting between the two sides as Charlotte looks to even the season series. Steve Clifford’s side will attempt to win their third straight game and continue their impressive play.