Hornets top Spurs, leaving Popovich win short of NBA record

Updated Mar. 5, 2022 9:51 p.m. ET

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Terry Rozier scored 31 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat San Antonio 123-117 on Saturday night, leaving Spurs coach Gregg Popovich a victory short of the tying the NBA record.

San Antonio has lost four straight since beating Washington on Feb. 25 to move Popovich within one of Don Nelson's record of 1,335 regular-season victories.

LaMelo Ball added 24 points for Charlotte, P.J. Washington and Montrezl Harrell each had 15 and Mason Plumlee had 13 rebounds. The Hornets made 19 of their last 20 free throws.

Keldon Johnson led San Antonio with 33 points, but was limited to five in the second half. Dejounte Murray had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Devin Vassell added 14 points.

Ball gave Charlotte a 117-113 lead with two free throws with 55.5 seconds left. Murray’s layup drew San Antonio to 119-117 before Martin hit four foul shots on two trips to the line in the final 33.6.

With Charlotte ahead 115-111, Plumlee contended with Jakob Poeltl for a rebound. The two locked up on the ball, and Plumlee slung Poeltl to the floor in an effort to control the ball. Officials ruled it a jump ball and no foul on Plumlee.

TIP-INS:

San Antonio: Johnson was perfect in the first period, making all seven of his shots — two of them 3-pointers — and his lone free throws. He had 17 of the Spurs' 30 points.

Charlotte: Gordon Hayward missed his fourth consecutive game with a left ankle sprain.

UP NEXT:

Spurs: Host Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

Hornets: Host Brooklyn on Tuesday night.