NORTH CAROLINA – The Brooklyn Nets prevailed over Charlotte Hornets, 132-121, in the 2021-2022 NBA Season on Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines) at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kyrie Irving ignited the offense with season-high 50 points, including nine three-pointers, as the Nets snapped its four-game losing skid to improve to 33-33 win-loss slate.
Andre Drummond added double-double 20 points and 14 rebounds, Kevin Durant and Bruce Brown chipped in 14 markers apiece, while Patrick Mills contributed 12 for the Nets.
The Nets were scorching on offense early as they jumped to a 34-20 first quarter lead before it widened to 69-43 at the half with Irving and Drummond leading the offense.
Brooklyn continued its strong showing in the third quarter before Charlotte made its last push in the fourth period but only managed to come to within 11 points.
Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges led the way with 30 markers apiece, while LaMelo Ball and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 24 and 15 markers, respectively, as the Hornets dropped to 32-34.
Meanwhile, DeAndre Ayton came up with two clutch hits in the endgame as Phoenix Suns (52-13) escaped with a 102-99 win over Orlando Magic (16-50) at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
Down 97-96 with under a minute left, Ayton surged the Suns on top 100-97 following two inside hits. After Orlando cut it to 99-100, the Suns widened it anew to 102-99 on two free throws by Cameron Payne.
Ayton finished the game with double-double 21 points and 19 rebounds, Payne chipped in 18 markers and 12 assists, while Landry Shamet ended up with 21 markers.
Cleveland Cavaliers (38-27), on the other hand, drew strength from Darius Garland’s career-high 41 markers in staving off the Indiana Pacers (22-45), 127-124.
BOX SCORE:
BROOKLYN 132 — Irving 50, Drummond 20, Durant 14, Brown 14, Mills 12, Curry 9, Dragic 5, Claxton 4, Johnson 4, Thomas 0, Edwards 0.
CHARLOTTE 121 — Rozier 30, Bridges 30, Ball 24, Oubre 15, Martin 8, Harrell 6, Washington 4, Plumlee 2, McDaniels 2.
Quarterscores: 34-20, 69-43, 100-84, 132-121./PN
