Charlotte Vs Houston: Sensational Kevin Durant Helps Rockets Subdue Hornets In NBA Classic
Kevin Durant made two free throws with 3.2 seconds left for the last of his 35 points as the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. The Hornets, who had won 11 of 12 going into the NBA All-Star break, looked sharp early and raced to an 11-point lead early in the second quarter. But Durant hit four mid-range jumpers and scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, including one to beat the shot clock with 44 seconds left to help the visitors complete a 105-101 come-from-behind win at Spectrum Center. LaMelo Ball, playing a day after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte, had 11 points, seven assists and seven rebounds for the Hornets. Up next, the Hornets host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, while the Rockets visit New York to take on the Knicks on Saturday.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) battles Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks to shoot against Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun, right, drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, left, passes past Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) battles Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard Amen Thompson (1) for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) blocks a shot attempt by Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Photo: AP/Nell Redmon
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