By Brian Mahoney
Nic Claxton scored 16 factors and the Brooklyn Nets pulled away after LaMelo Ball was misplaced to a different ankle damage and beat the Charlotte Hornets 97-89 on Monday evening.
Cam Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe every added 14 factors for the Nets, who gained for the fifth time in six video games in the most effective stretch of their first season underneath Jordi Fernandez. This was their second straightforward victory over Charlotte throughout that span.
Moussa Diabate had a career-high 21 factors and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Hornets earlier than he was pressured out of the sport with a proper eye abrasion. Tidjane Salaun scored 16 factors.
Ball performed the primary 10 minutes and the Hornets introduced at halftime he wouldn’t play the remainder of the evening due to proper ankle soreness. He had solely just lately returned from a five-game absence with a sprained left ankle.
TakeawaysHornets: Charlotte is 1-16 in video games Ball has missed this season. Not surprisingly, this recreation bought away from the Hornets as soon as their level guard was misplaced with them trailing by three.
Nets: With one recreation to go, the Nets ought to be ok with they’re enjoying going into the All-Star break. They’ve now gained consecutive video games at dwelling for the primary time this season.
Key momentCharlotte trailed by two about 2 1/2 minutes into the second quarter earlier than a 9-0 run gave the Nets a 47-36 lead and it was by no means shut once more. Brooklyn led by double digits almost all of the second half.
Key statEven although he missed the final three quarters, Ball was nonetheless tied for the staff lead in 3-pointers till Salaun made his second of the sport with 5:34 to play. Charlotte completed 6 for 31 (19%).
Up nextThe Nets host Philadelphia on Wednesday of their ultimate recreation earlier than the All-Star break. The Hornets are at Orlando on Wednesday.
