Charlotte Hornets Buzz Past Dallas Mavericks 117-90

The Dallas Mavericks opened a six-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. However, the Hornets blew out the Mavericks 117-90 at the Spectrum Center. Charlotte improved to 31-31 and has a five-game winning streak, while Dallas fell to 21-40 and has a four-game losing skid.

In Case You Missed It

The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-87 at the American Airlines Center on Sunday. Caleb Martin led the Mavericks with 18 points and 3 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Charlotte Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-93 at the Spectrum Center on Saturday. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets Starters

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Khris Middleton, PJ Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford.

Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain), Naji Marshall (right finger contusion), Marvin Bagley III (neck sprain), and Klay Thompson (right adductor contusion).

Charlotte’s starting lineup featured LaMelo Ball, Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate.

Charlotte ruled out Coby White (left calf injury management).

Mavericks vs. Hornets Recap

The much-anticipated second round between the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets’ rookies, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, didn’t happen. However, Flagg and Knueppel, 20, exchanged pleasantries in a Duke reunion.

Charlotte came in hot. The NBA announced Knueppel as its Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February. Knueppel earned his fourth straight Rookie of the Month award, becoming the first Hornet to win four Rookie of the Month awards.

The NBA nominated Brandon Miller for Eastern Conference Player of the Month and Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee for Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, both for February.

All five of Charlotte’s starters scored within the first three minutes of the first quarter. Dallas shone as Christie scored in the paint. Williams scored 9 points, leading the Mavs. Dallas picked up the pace but pulled away, while Charlotte’s shooting remained ice-cold. Charlotte took a 31-23 lead to end the first.

Dallas made a bucket to open the second quarter. Dallas went on a 7-0 run to cut Charlotte’s lead. Powell scored on a drive to the hoop. Dallas tied the score at 33, but Charlotte’s shooting picked up the pace, mainly from Miller, Josh Green, and Bridges. Charlotte took a 57-48 lead into halftime.

Dallas’ shooting shone in the third quarter. Gafford caught Christie’s pass to score a one-handed slam. Charlotte took its largest lead of the game, 81-66, with 3:10 left. Knueppel hit a corner three-pointer before Ryan Kalkbrenner threw down a hammer. Charlotte took a 92-72 lead through three quarters.

Dallas picked up the pace in the fourth quarter, but Dallas’ efforts weren’t enough. Charlotte’s offense put pressure on Dallas’ defense, but Dallas saw a continued struggle with shooting accuracy. Charlotte won 117-90 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Dallas Mavericks continue the road trip by paying a visit to the Orlando Magic on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Dallas could potentially beat Orlando by controlling the boards, maintaining the overall offensive strategy, and elevating the defensive readiness.

The Charlotte Hornets face the Boston Celtics in a one-game road tilt on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Charlotte could potentially beat Boston by focusing on offense, utilizing defense, and building team cohesion.