Mavericks top Hornets 116-110, end 2-game losing slide
On Saturday night, the Charlotte Hornets played one of their most lopsided games of the season that ended with a 116-100 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. And not even a visit from Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who sat courtside, could motivate the Hornets in the first quarter.
In a week where the Charlotte Hornets did not make any moves before the NBA trade deadline, things still manage to reach high temperatures with moves on the team's roster before the weekend matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. The Hornets waived both Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams.
According to a report published by ESPN on Saturday, the Milwaukee Bucks are clearing the way to sign Williams on Monday by waiving Dragan Bender.
All of the jostling in the locker room appeared to have some sort of effect on the chemistry on the court. The Hornets had a sluggish start, allowing the Mavericks to build a 31-10 lead in the first quarter. They continued with up-and-down play throughout the first half allowing two consecutive 30+ point periods. At the half, Charlotte trailed 64-43.
Despite Devonte' Graham's 26 points and 10 assists to go along with Myles Bridges 20 points, Charlotte was not able to climb back from the damage they suffered during the first half. For the first time this year, head coach James Borrego was all out of answers. "Obviously there was a key figure missing ...I think we all felt it on the bench, in the locker room, Borrego said. "Other people have to step up, learn, grow, take on the challenge and don't shy away from it."
Charlotte native Seth Curry made his return to the queen city a bitter-sweet reunion. Curry finished the night with 26 points off the bench to lead the Mavericks over the Hornets. The performance was well received by the more than a dozen family and friends, including his mother Sonya, who attended the game.
"I wanted to come here and play in front of family and friends," Curry said. "Playing in your home city, it's different. You want to come in and put on a good show and have fun and that's what happened."
Charlotte slipped to 16-36 on the season as they head to Detroit to face the Pistons on Monday.
