The Brooklyn Nets capitalized on LaMelo Ball’s early exit, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 97-89 on Monday night at Barclays Center. Nic Claxton led Brooklyn with 16 points as the team improved to 19-34.
Ball played only 10 minutes before being ruled out at halftime due to right ankle soreness. Charlotte, now 1-16 in games without Ball this season, struggled without its star point guard.
Moussa Diabate stepped up for the Hornets, posting a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds before leaving with an eye injury. Tidjane Salaun added 16 points, but Charlotte shot just 19.4% from three-point range.
Cam Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe each contributed 14 points for Brooklyn, which won for the fifth time in six games. The Nets secured their first back-to-back home wins of the season heading into the All-Star break.
Brooklyn started strong, outscoring Charlotte 34-30 in the first quarter. The Nets extended their lead to 12 by halftime and controlled the game despite a quiet fourth quarter.
D’Angelo Russell and Ziaire Williams each scored 11 points for Brooklyn, while Trendon Watford provided a spark off the bench with 13 points on 4-for-8 shooting. The Nets won the rebounding battle 47-40 and committed fewer turnovers.
Charlotte’s shooting woes were evident, finishing 41% from the field and missing 25 of 31 attempts from beyond the arc. Nick Smith Jr. scored 13 points, but the team lacked offensive rhythm without Ball.
