Walker topscores as Hornets beat depleted Grizzlies
Marvin Williams chips in with two key three-pointers
Charlotte: Kemba Walker scored 23 points, Marvin Williams hit two key 3-pointers and Bismack Biyombo swatted away a pair of late shots as the Charlotte Hornets beat the depleted Memphis Grizzlies 100-92 Friday night.
Memphis suited up just 10 healthy players and was minus star Mike Conley, who sat because of soreness in his left knee. Starters Kyle Anderson and Jaren Jackson Jr. also were sidelined.
Williams’ 26-foot shot with 2:55 left tied it, and his deep jumper 38 seconds later gave the Hornets the lead for good at 93-90. Williams finished with 16 points.
Malik Monk, who scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, had two 3-pointers in the period. The Hornets were shooting just 36.8 per cent from 3-point land through the third quarter.
Biyombo had just one point but made a difference on the defensive end. The 6-foot-9 centre blocked JaMychal Green’s dunk attempt with 1:48 to go and swatted away a layup attempt by Shelvin Mack 20 seconds later. Biyombo finished with seven rebounds and three blocks.
Mack led Memphis with 19 points and nine assists and Justin Holiday and Ivan Rabb added 15 points each for the Grizzlies.
