Kemba Walker Leads the Charlotte Hornets Past the Detroit Pistons
Kemba Walker’s fourth-quarter push led the Charlotte Hornets to victory as they evened up the season series against the Detroit Pistons.
VS.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
| Hornets | 23 | 15 | 23 | 26 | 87 |
| Pistons | 24 | 15 | 19 | 19 | 77 |
The Charlotte Hornets (13-9) were able to defeat the Detroit Pistons (12-12) in an ugly game where both teams found it difficult to score. Despite the struggles, Kemba Walker’s big night led the home team to their second straight win. It wasn’t pretty but Steve Clifford’s side did enough to get the job done.w
After missing the past six games with a hyperextended left knee, Marvin Williams returned to the starting lineup in this one. Frank Kaminsky went back to the bench as Marv put up 12 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. This “defense heavy” game was expected as the Hornets are struggling to put up points lately and the Pistons on their fourth game in six nights.w
The game got off to a slow start as both teams struggled out of the game. It was probably one of the worst first halves of basketball that has been played this season as Charlotte trailed Detroit 39-38 at the break. Both teams only scored 15 points in the second period. The Hornets only shot 26.5% in the first half and the only reason they were still in the game was because the Pistons turned the ball over seven times which almost equaled their season average for a full game.
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Things started to heat up in the fourth quarter as Kemba Walker caught fire for Charlotte. He scored 14 of his 25 points in the final period. The Hornets only had a three-point lead entering the fourth but a 26-point “outburst” (most in any quarter this game) saw them stretch their lead to 10 and finish the game off.
Kemba continued his All-Star campaign as he scored a team-high 25 points to go along with four assists and three rebounds. Nicolas Batum recorded his third straight double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Marco Belinelli provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and five rebounds.
*Barbara Walters Alert*
Andre Drummond led the Pistons in this one with a game-high 26 points and 20 rebounds on the night. Tobias Harris added 14 points and seven rebounds while Reggie Jackson scored 10 to round out the double-digit scorers.
It was a slow night for both teams but it made for an entertaining fourth quarter.
Highlight of the Night:
👍 Nice handles from @KembaWalker!! #DETatCHA #BuzzCity pic.twitter.com/G2m172YjTI
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 8, 2016
Tweet of the Night:
.@KembaWalker now with 18 pts. 4 rebs, 2 asts.
Kemba has scored 17 or more in every #Hornets game (22) – longest active streak in #NBA.
— Chris Kroeger (@Kroeger) December 8, 2016
Quick Stings
With the win, the Hornets were able to even the season series at one game apiece with the Pistons. The two teams will meet twice more this year with both of those matches coming in Detroit. Their next matchup won’t come until the new year.
In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will take on the Orlando Magic at home on Friday, December 9th. It will be the first meeting between the division rivals this season. The Hornets have some momentum going into that one as they are riding a two-game win streak.
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