Rookie Malik Monk explodes off of the Charlotte Hornets’ bench as the Queen City team dominates the Orlando Magic.
The Charlotte Hornets (36-45) were able to defeat the Orlando Magic (24-56) as they swept the season series. Malik Monk helped the Hornets snap their four-game losing streak as he put up a team-high 26 points. Charlotte had seven players score in double-figures as they controlled the entire game.
Charlotte was a bit shorthanded as they were without Cody Zeller (left knee soreness), Dwayne Bacon (right ankle sprain), Michael Carter-Williams (left shoulder surgery) and Treveon Graham (concussion protocol). MCW and Zeller are out for the rest of the season but Bacon and Graham could return before the current campaign is complete.
Game Story
The Hornets got off to a fast start as they scored 43 points in the first quarter which set a franchise record for the most points scored in the first period on the road. They won every quarter by at least five points and were up by as much as 45 points in the fourth quarter. Aside from Charlotte’s bench which led them, they outshot Orlando, 17 to 9 in three’s made and 24 to 7 in free throws made.
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Player of the Game
Malik Monk had his best game of the season as he finished with a career-high 26 points to go along with eight assists which tied a career-high and four made three’s. The rookie shot 8-14 from the field, made all six of his free throws, only committed one turnover and was a +23 in +/-. He did all of this in only 26 minutes. He is making the most of his opportunity late in the season.
Frank Kaminsky added 21 points and four rebounds off of the bench while Dwight Howard had a big double-double with 16 points and 17 boards. Marvin Williams scored 18 points in this one. Jeremy Lamb (16), Kemba Walker (13) and Willy Hernangomez (11) rounded out the Hornets’ double-digit scorers.
The Magic were led by former Charlotte player D.J. Augustin who ended with 19 points in 18 minutes. Marreese Speights had 14 points off of the bench while Jamel Artis, Khem Birch, Rodney Purvis each had 12 points. Another Charlotte player Bismack Biyombo was limited to only seven points and eight rebounds.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
Here's the complete list of every @NBA player in history to make 4+ 3-pointers in 3-straight games off the bench his rookie season...😮
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 7, 2018
1. (this guy👇) pic.twitter.com/yq7Krz2oS5
"Quick Stings"
- Dwight recorded his 51st double-double of the season.
- Hernangomez put up his fourth double-double of the year.
- Monk is averaging 20 PPG over his last four outings.
- Charlotte’s bench outscored Orlando’s second unit, 77-41.
- The Hornets out-rebounded the Magic, 50-36.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 4-0 on the year against Orlando. The Hornets have no won 11 straight regular-season games versus the Magic dating back to the 2015-16 campaign. The Queen City team has now swept their divisional rivals for the second consecutive season.
Next: Offseason issues for Charlotte to address
In their next game, the Hornets will return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, April 8th. It will be the final home game of the season for Steve Clifford’s side. Charlotte will look string together a couple wins and close out the year on a high note.