By Matt Gorry, hornets.com
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The Result
Kemba Walker poured in a game-high 20 points, while Al Jefferson (19 points, 10 boards) and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (13 points, 11 boards) added double-doubles as Charlotte blew past the Jazz, 104-86, to win its second-straight game.
Turning Points
Coming off a strong showing in Philly on the first night of a back-to-back, the Hornets set the tone early against the Jazz. Behind nine points from Kemba Walker, Charlotte shot 61.9 percent (13-of-21) from the floor and 75 percent (3-of-4) from long range to open up a double-digit lead in the opening frame. After pushing the advantage out to as much as 24 in the third quarter, Utah made a furious run in the fourth to cut it down to 10 (88-78) with 6:52 to play. But the Hornets responded with an 11-0 burst to put the game out of reach and seal the win.
Inside the Box Score
Charlotte recorded one if its stingiest defensive performances of the season, limiting the Jazz to 39 percent (33-of-85) shooting from the field, including a 26-percent (8-of-31) clip from behind the arc… The Hornets hit on 48 percent (42-of-87) of their shots and buried 9-of-22 (41 percent) 3-pointers… Charlotte controlled the glass and the paint, out-rebounding the Jazz, 49-39, which included a 15-13 edge on offensive boards. The Hornets scored 42 points in the paint, compared to Utah’s 30… Kemba Walker led four players in double figures with 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting with six rebounds, four steals and two rebounds… Al Jefferson finished with 19 points and 10 boards for another double-double… Michael Kidd-Gilchrist recorded a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) to go with three blocks, two assists and a steal… Gerald Henderson scored 17 points with four assists.
Hornets Player of the Game
Kemba Walker continued his unbelievable run, dropping a game-high 20 points to go with six assists, four steals, two boards and no turnovers. Over his past six games, Walker has been on fire, averaging nearly 24 points and six assists with seven total turnovers.
Jazz Player of the Game
Gordon Hayward paced the Jazz with 14 points on 6-of-14 shooting and six assists.
Game Notes
Gary Neal finished with eight points off the bench… Cody Zeller grabbed six boards to go with seven points… Marvin Williams provided a spark from the bench with seven points and five rebounds… P.J. Hairston knocked down to 3-pointers and grabbed three boards in eight minutes of action… Brian Roberts tacked on five points, three rebounds and two assists… Jeffery Taylor returned to action for the first time in over a year, playing the final three minutes of the win.
Next Up
The Hornets return home to face the Utah Jazz in the second leg of a back-to-back on Dec. 20. The game can be seen on FOX SportSouth or be heard on WFNZ or on the Official Charlotte Hornets mobile app.
Marvin Williams Postgame Twinterview
Following the win against the Utah Jazz, Hornets forward Marvin Williams sat down to answer your Twitter questions for a postgame “Twinterview”:
When We Score! You Score with Papa Johns!