Charlotte Hornets Buzz Past Sacramento Kings 134-90

The Charlotte Hornets continued their seven-game homestand against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. The Hornets blew out the Kings 134-90 at Spectrum Center for the series sweep. Charlotte improved to 38-34 and has a four-game winning streak, while Sacramento fell to 19-54.

March is Women’s History Month. As expected, Charlotte hosted Buzz Worthy Women Night to celebrate remarkable women who lead, inspire, and empower.

In Case You Missed It

The Charlotte Hornets blew out the Memphis Grizzlies 124-101 at Spectrum Center on Saturday. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 29 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

The Sacramento Kings beat the Brooklyn Nets 126-122 at Golden 1 Center on Sunday. Malik Monk led the Kings with 32 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists. Ben Saraf led the Nets with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings Starters

Charlotte’s starting lineup featured Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabete. Charlotte ruled out Tidjane Salaun (left calf strain) and Pat Connaughton (illness).

Sacramento’s starting lineup featured Monk, Devin Carter, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Maxime Raynaud.

Sacramento ruled out Zach LaVine (right hand surgery), Domantas Sabonis (left knee surgery), De’Andre Hunter (left eye surgery), Keegan Murray (left ankle sprain), Drew Eubanks (left thumb surgery), Russell Westbrook (right foot soreness), Nique Clifford (left mid-foot sprain), Precious Achiuwa (lower back soreness), Killian Hayes (left foot soreness), and Isaiah Stevens (right ankle soreness).

Hornets vs. Kings Recap

Tuesday’s game was a lopsided matchup on paper. Charlotte’s defense has been making a statement to the NBA, while Sacramento’s long-range shooting has been struggling.

The first quarter was a high-scoring affair between the two teams. Raynaud shot a reverse layup against four Hornets defenders. Knueppel moved into second place on the franchise’s single-season three-pointer leaderboard. Charlotte took a 34-25 lead to end the first.

Charlotte had a competitive edge in the second quarter. Ryan Kalkbrenner threw down a dunk off a Ball pass. Sacramento had some bright spots, such as Raynaud’s corner three-pointer. Miller threw down a late slam, as Charlotte took a commanding 72-47 lead into halftime.

Raynaud had a solid first half. The Paris, France native is averaging 19.2 points per game, to go with 63.2% field goal shooting, in 11 games this month. The Stanford alumnus is the last NBA rookie to average 19 points per game, to go with 60% field goal shooting, in any month with 10+ games since Shaquille O’Neal with the Orlando Magic in Jan. 1993.

Charlotte skyrocketed in the third quarter. Ball moved into second place on Charlotte’s three-pointer all-time leaderboard. Sacramento lacked a defensive identity but shone due to Daeqwon Plowden’s three straight field goals. Charlotte took a 113-76 lead through three quarters.

Charlotte remained in the driver’s seat in the fourth quarter. Liam McNeeley made his presence known with a three-pointer but without his signature headband. Sacramento had a bright spot in Plowden’s career-high 22 points. Charlotte won 134-90 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Charlotte Hornets continue the homestand against the New York Knicks on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Charlotte can potentially beat New York by creating scoring opportunities, showing strong performances, and capitalizing on existing strengths.

The Sacramento Kings continue a five-game road trip at the Orlando Magic on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Sacramento can potentially pull off an upset over Orlando by maintaining its existing offense, prioritizing defense, and showing strong performances.