Shorthanded Charlotte Hornets fall to the Chicago Bulls, 120-114
Malik Monk had one of his best games of the season but it wasn’t enough to lift the Charlotte Hornets past the Chicago Bulls.
The Charlotte Hornets (34-45) were defeated by the Chicago Bulls (27-51) as they lost their fourth straight game. Dwight Howard and Malik Monk led the Queen City team as they combined to score 44 points. In the end, Lauri Markkanen‘s 24 points and Sean Kilpatrick‘s 21 points (16 in the fourth) were too much for the Hornets to overcome.
Charlotte was a bit shorthanded in this one as they were without Cody Zeller (left knee soreness), Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder surgery), Dwayne Bacon (right ankle sprain) and Treveon Graham (concussion protocol). Nicolas Batum (left Achilles soreness) started but was on a minutes restriction. Two-way player Marcus Paige was called up for this game.
Game Story
Although this game was between two teams who will not be in the playoffs this season, it was an entertaining affair. The Bulls were able to hold off the Hornets late in the game. Both Sean Kilpatrick and Malik Monk scored 16 points in the fourth quarter. Chicago’s ability to capitalize off of Charlotte turnovers was what changed the game. The Bulls scored 28 points off of the Hornets’ 20 turnovers.
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Player of the Game
Malik Monk finished the game with 21 points on 8-15 shooting with five made three’s. The rookie also added two assists and two rebounds. He exploded in the fourth quarter putting up 16 points in the final period. He scored 20+ points for only the third time this season.
Dwight Howard added a monster double-double with 23 points and 17 rebounds while Marvin Williams had 18 points, eight boards and four assists. Nicolas Batum and Willy Hernangomez each put up 11 points while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist rounded out the Hornets’ double-digit scorers with 10 points. Kemba Walker held to only nine points on 4-11 shooting.
The Bulls were led by rookie Lauri Markkanen who ended the night with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Season Kilpatrick led Chicago’s second unit with 21 points off of the bench. Justin Holiday chipped in 19 points while Bobby Portis had 16 points.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
.@hornets rookie @AhmadMonk has his third game with 5+ 3PT FGM. Sets new CHA record for such games in rookie season (prev: Augustin, 2) #BuzzCity
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) April 4, 2018
"Quick Stings"
- Dwight recorded his 50th double-double of the season which set a Hornets’ single-season record.
- MKG grabbed his 1500th career defensive rebound making him only the eighth player in franchise history to do so.
- Chicago’s bench outscored Charlotte’s second unit, 51-43.
- The Hornets turned the ball over 20 times in this one.
- Kemba scored under 10 points for only the fifth time this season.
With the loss, Charlotte falls to 1-3 versus Chicago this season. The Hornets have now lost five of their last six regular-season games against the Bulls. The Windy City team has now won the season series for the second consecutive year.
Next: Ranking the Hornets last eight first-round picks
In their next outing, the Hornets will travel to Orlando to take on their divisional rivals in the Magic on Friday, April 6th. It will be the fourth and final meeting between the two teams as Charlotte attempts to sweep the season series. Steve Clifford’s side will look to snap their four-game losing streak.