Charlotte Hornets use defense and rebounding to sweep season series with Kings
Defense and rebounding — big concerns at the start of the Charlotte Hornets’ season — looked like strengths Tuesday in a 110-102 home victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The Hornets outrebounded the Kings by 18 and held their opponent to 41% shooting to win their fourth game in their last five. The Hornets improved to 13-17. The Kings fell to 12-15.
Malik Monk came off the bench for a season-high 23 points for the Hornets. De’Aaron Fox, returning from an ankle sprain, scored 19 off the bench for Sacramento.
Nice buzz
Hornets coach James Borrego is among the NBA devotees of 3-and-rim offense. As in the best shots on the floor are in the lane or outside the arc, while the worst ones are 2-point jump shots. The first half, the Hornets scored 43 of their 53 points in the paint or from 3-point range. Combine that with a 10-rebound advantage, and it’s clear why they led by six at halftime.
Bee stings
The Hornets had 15 turnovers in the first three quarters, which is why they led by only a point going into the fourth quarter. Turnovers aren’t the constant problem they were early this season, but they are still an issue.
Building blocks
Despite being on the fringe of the rotation, second-round pick Cody Martin has already established an NBA skill: Charge-taking. Martin is seventh in the NBA in average charges drawn at 0.45 per game. Former Hornet Kemba Walker was annually among league leaders in this category. Martin and Devonte Graham combined for 16 total charges drawn in the first 29 games.
Beyond the numbers
The Hornets got back Marvin Williams, who missed the prior five games due to a sore right knee. That’s particularly important with rookie P.J. Washington out with a broken finger. Williams is the obvious best choice at power forward to absorb most of Washington’s 29 minutes.
Nic Batum expected to play at morning shootaround, but was later scratched for the fourth straight game with soreness in his left hand. Batum said he’s constantly aggravating his hand after he broke his middle finger in the season-opener. The Hornets appear to be addressing this with caution after the third re-injury.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 9:28 PM.
