Charlotte Hornets: Eclipse the Phoenix Suns at home

The Charlotte Hornets seized hold of the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference by taking down visiting Phoenix.

The Charlotte Hornets finally returned home Tuesday and got back to their winning ways when they shut down the Phoenix Suns 126-92. It was a Hornets victory that had the elements of Hornets victories from this recent string. If the Hornets get twenty-five from Kemba Walker and get a big effort from Al Jefferson off the bench, they win.

The Hornets finished a five game road swing with a loss to the Atlanta Hawks and at this stage in the season a loss to the no-coach injury riddled Phoenix Suns would have been a huge letdown for the team and the standings. Fortunately that did not happen.

Walker led the way with twenty-six points and nine assists, a performance similar to his play against the Pacers two games ago. In this one Kemba’s point total was less than the margin of victory, but if he had been out it would have been a six game. With Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe firmly planted on the inactive list, there was no answer from the Suns at that spot.

Nicolas Batum also played a good game from his guard spot. He contributed nine rebounds and fifteen points. One of the guys who spelled him was Jeremy Lamb who also lit up the Suns back court with fifteen points of his own. With Walker, back court dominance was a big reason for the margin of victory.

More from Old North Banter

The Hornets had a more mixed record in the front court. The Suns got their best efforts from center Alex Len and bench forward Mirza Teletovic. Len had a double-double with eighteen and Teletovic added seventeen more. The best counter the Hornets could provide for the pair was Al Jefferson. Jefferson scored nineteen points in only nineteen minutes off the bench.

With Jefferson playing well, it will be interesting to see what the Hornets do with his role going forward. Will he be returned to the starting lineup, or will they continue to bring off the bench where he adds a new dimension to the offense?

Next: Kemba Daggers Indiana

In the all important playoff race the Hornets improved their record to 31-28, good enough for the six seed right now. Detroit and Indiana are half a game back while Atlanta is a full game ahead. The Hornets want to at least avoid the eighth seed where a first round matchup would take them to Cleveland.

The Hornets hope to keep winning when they face the Philadelphia 76ers tonight in Philly.

Home/Charlotte Hornets