CHARLOTTE Hornets rolled to their fourth consecutive triumph in the 2020-2021 National Basketball Association (NBA) Season following a 109-88 domination over New York Knicks at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines).
Gordon Hayward top-scored with 34 points while Devonte Graham added 19 markers, seven assists and three steals as the Hornets rose to a 6-5 win-loss slate.
“It’s been a lot of fun playing with my new teammates and under this coaching staff,” Hayward said. “I’m having a great time. As long as we keep doing our jobs and play hard every night, I think the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”
Hayward was on fire since the opening half as he drained 28 of his points total for a 57-50 Hornets lead. The edge grew further in the second half as it reached the 20-point margin in the fourth period.
Kevin Knox finished the match with 19 points while Mitchell Robinson had double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds as the Knicks suffered their third straight defeat for a 5-6 record.
In the other game, Atlanta Hawks leaned on the exploits of Trae Young in the second half and cruised to a 112-94 victory over short-handed Philadelphia 76ers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, US.
Young top-scored with 26 points while De’Andre Hunter and Brandon Goodwin had 15 points each for the Hawks, which halted their four-game losing run and improved to 5-5.
Young, who was held to a combined 22 points in his last two games, regained his scoring touch against the 76ers as he opened the second half with a jumper before adding back-to-back layups.
The Hawks stretched a 65-50 halftime advantage to an 80-52 lead with the scoring run. They were on top 95-65 late in the third frame before Young and other starters sat out the final period.
Joel Embiid tallied double-double 24 points and 11 rebounds, Isaiah Joe had 18 points while rookie Tyrese Maxey had 15 markers.
BOX SCORE:
CHARLOTTE 109 – Hayward 34, Graham 19, Washington 13, Bridges 13, Rozier 12, Ball 8, Ca. Martin 5, Co. Martin 3, Biyombo 2, Carey 0, McDaniels 0, Richards 0.
NEW YORK 88 – Knox 19, Payton 15, Rivers 13, Robinson 12, Randle 11, Barrett 11, Noel 4, Quickley 3.
QUARTERSCORES:
Q1, 31-25; Q2, 57-50; Q3, 82-68; Q4, 109-88./PN
