NBA roundup: Walker leads Hornets to record-setting blowout

[March 23, 2018]  Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets delivered the Memphis Grizzlies a historic beatdown on Thursday night.

Walker scored 35 of his 46 points in the first half as the Hornets routed the visiting Grizzlies, 140-79, the largest margin of victory in Hornets' franchise history.

Walker set a franchise record by hitting 10 3-pointers. He also tied Golden State guard Stephen Curry for most 3-pointers in a single game this season. He shot 13-of-18 from the floor and 10-of-14 from 3-point range. He played 27:56 in a game Charlotte led by 55 points after three quarters and by as many as 65 in the fourth.

According to ESPN Stats and Information, Charlotte's lead after the third matched the largest in the shot-clock era, equaling the mark set by the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 8, 2001.

The Hornets also came within one of matching their franchise record for points in a game, set on Nov. 24, 1993 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pelicans 128, Lakers 125

Anthony Davis had 33 points and nine rebounds as the New Orleans overcame an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Los Angeles Lakers at the Smoothie King Center.

Rajon Rondo, who finished with 10 assists, had 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, including a 3-pointer and layup that put the Pelicans on top with two minutes to play.

Jrue Holiday added 26 points for New Orleans, which completed a stretch of three home games in three nights and five games in six nights.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made eight 3-pointers and led the Lakers with 28 points, Julius Randle had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Brook Lopez scored 23 and Kyle Kuzma had 22.

76ers 118, Magic 98

Joel Embiid scored 17 points in 20 minutes, and Ben Simmons flirted with a triple-double as Philadelphia drummed host Orlando at Amway Center.

Simmons scored six points, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out 10 assists for the 76ers, who have won five in a row to climb into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. It was Simmons' 20th game with at least 10 assists.

Rodney Purvis had 19 points off the bench to lead Orlando. Aaron Gordon finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Bismack Biyombo added 14 points for the Magic who have lost three in a row and eight of nine.

 

Rockets 100, Pistons 94 (OT)

James Harden scored 10 of his 21 points in overtime and Houston survived a miserable shooting effort to beat Detroit.

The Rockets extended their winning streak to seven games despite missing 39 of 51 3-pointers, 10 of 28 free throws and shooting 35.4 percent overall. Detroit shot 6-for-38 (15.8 percent) from behind the arc.

Blake Griffin recorded his third triple-double of the season, and first with the Pistons, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and Andre Drummond added 17 points and 20 rebounds.

Jazz 119, Mavericks 112

Rookie Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and hit a pair of baskets to hold off a late Dallas rally as the Jazz earned a win at American Airlines Arena.

Ricky Rubio had 22 points and five steals, Derrick Favors finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists and Joe Ingles chipped in 18 points, 10 assists and six rebounds for the Jazz.

J.J. Barea scored 23 points to lead the Mavericks. Harrison Barnes added 21 points and Yogi Ferrell chipped in 20 off the bench. Dallas lost despite shooting 17-for-32 (53.1 percent) from 3-point territory.

Kings 105, Hawks 90

Sacramento got 20 points from rookie Justin Jackson in a home win over Atlanta that was played in front of a tiny crowd at Golden 1 Center.

Admissions were shut down just before tipoff by the Sacramento Police Department when late-arriving fans were met by a human chain of protesters barring entrances. The protests were in response to the release of a video showing police fatally shooting unarmed Stephon Clark on Sunday night. Protesters took over downtown and also blocked roads.

Frank Mason and Buddy Hield each tallied 16, while Kosta Koufos had 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Kings. Isaiah Taylor paced Atlanta with 18 points, while Dewayne Dedmon added 13 points and 10 rebounds.

--Field Level Media

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