Hornets score first 20 points, hold on to beat Rockets in top home win of season
Beating the Houston Rockets is impressive. Never trailing was far more impressive for the Charlotte Hornets.
In arguably their best home victory of the season, the Hornets pulled out to a 20-0 lead and never lost the edge in a 108-99 victory Saturday at Spectrum Center.
Devonte Graham put this one away with a 3-pointer with just under a minute remaining. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 24 points, making 6 of 9 3-pointers. Graham added 23 points and P.J. Washington chipped in 22.
The Rockets got a triple-double from James Harden, with 30 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. However, Harden also had 10 turnovers and was 2-of-11 from 3-point range.
Nice Buzz
It’s no secret the Hornets’ defense has improved the last few weeks. There’s no better indicator of that than the 15 Rockets turnovers in the first half, resulting in 18 Charlotte points. Those turnovers led to an 8-to-2 advantage in Hornets fast-break points. The Hornets holding Houston scoreless for the first 6 1/2 minutes, to take a 20-0 lead, was as surprising and positive as any stretch for Charlotte this season.
Bee Stings
Harden takes more free throws than any NBA player, averaging 11.7 attempts this season. Hornets coach James Borrego said pre-game that limiting Harden’s trips to the foul line was essential to his team’s chances. Harden didn’t shoot well in the first half (3-of-9), but he took nine free throws, making eight, before halftime.
Building Blocks
The Hornets used a high second-round pick on rookie Cody Martin in June in part for Martin’s play-making potential. Martin struggled initially in summer league in July when the Hornets tested what he was ready for as a facilitator. He’s progressing, as demonstrated by his six assists in Saturday’s first half.
Beyond the Numbers
After this game, the Hornets no longer must count Malik Monk against the active roster spots while he is suspended. That’s because he’s served five games so far in a suspension of an undetermined length under the anti-drug policy.
The salary Monk loses doesn’t get trimmed from the Hornets’ salary-cap number this season. It would cut the Hornets’ luxury-tax bill if they were over the tax threshold, which they are not.
