Lance Stephenson Wins: Hornets beat Hawks 122-119

Hey Lance, you’re supposed to call ‘bank.’

That was the end of a marathon contest between the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks. The Hornets gained their second victory over a Southeastern Division opponent in dramatic fashion. Stephenson sank a three at the end of the second overtime for his first career game winner.

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Stephenson went for 17 points and 13 rebounds for the game. The Hornets had a bunch of guys in double figures. Michael Kidd Gilchrist returned to action with ten points. Kemba Walker was one rebound short of a triple double. He had 15 points, ten assists, and nine rebounds. Gunner Gary Neal dropped in twenty-three of the bench. The engine of the Hornets’ offense was still Al Jefferson, who led the scoring with 34 points. The Codysaurus had ten off the bench and a key block (2 total).

The Hawks did much of their damage in the middle as Al Horford scored 24 and Paul Millsap added 13. Kyle Korver was 4-7 from three point range for 20 points. Jeff Teague was 9 of 13 for 22 points. Backup point Dennis Schroder came off the bench with ten more.

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The key aspect of this win is the jolt of confidence into Lance Stephenson. Stephenson’s offensive game has started slow, even though his effort on rebounding and other things has been there. For Lance to ask for the ball with the game on the line and deliver is important. The more confidence he has, the freer that he will play.

The Hornets are now at .500 for the year at 3-3, giving them a foundation to build on. The Hornets play the winless Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow night, but you cannot sleep on Kobe Bryant. Yes, Jefferson should be borderline unstoppable against Boozer and whomever else the Lakers send out. This is just one of those games that the Hornets need to win if they are as good as we think they are.