Hornets Defeat Wemby-less Spurs

The Hornets move to 9-30 on the season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - One week after getting blasted by 36 to the San Antonio Spurs, the Charlotte Hornets got their revenge in Uptown with a 124-120 win.

For a game that featured a pair of teams with a combined record of 15-63 entering the night, a strong crowd showed up at Spectrum Center Friday night. Now, many likely purchased tickets to see No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama, who took the night off (rest) as he continues to work under a minutes restriction with an injured ankle.

Minutes before the game, Nick Richards was ruled out with an ankle injury, forcing Hornets' head coach Steve Clifford to go with a small ball lineup featuring P.J. Washington at the five. The lineup was not only efficient but balanced in scoring with all five starters reaching double figures.

Best of the Night: Brandon Miller's return.

Miller had a scary fall to the ground following a dunk attempt last week against these very Spurs and missed the next two games. He showed little signs of rust ion his return, pouring in 24 points on 8/14 shooting while adding nine rebounds.

Worst of the Night: Three-point defense.

For once, the Hornets played a fairly well-rounded game so this is me being nit picky. Steve Clifford was concerned about this area of the matchup entering tonight and he had every right to be with San Antonio focusing more on an outside game without Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs finished the night 15/32 from three-point land.

Stat of the Night: A home win.

Tonight's win marks the first Hornets victory at home since December 8th against the Toronto Raptors.

Highlight of the Night:

Have a night, Rook! pic.twitter.com/bicrBUNznB

— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) January 20, 2024

Next up: Hornets vs. 76ers, Saturday at 7 p.m. EST.

Individual + Team Stats: Hornets vs. Spurs

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