Charlotte Hornets (37-34) beat Memphis Grizzlies (24-46) 124-101 at home on Saturday, March 21. The final margin was 23 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Hornets had the better start, winning the first 30-26 to lead by 4 after one. The Hornets kept the pressure on with a 29-21 second quarter, carrying a 12-point lead into halftime.
The Hornets won the third 38-28 to create some separation, taking a 22-point lead into the fourth. The Hornets took the fourth 27-26; the Hornets finished the job for a 124-101 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Hornets got more from their shots, finishing at 63.5% effective field-goal shooting compared with 50% for the Grizzlies. The Hornets grabbed 34.2% of their own misses, while the Grizzlies recovered 20%. That shooting gap supplied the clearest edge.
The Grizzlies did win one battle, ball security: TOV% of 13.2 against 17.1. The Hornets made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 99 possessions per team, the Hornets produced 125.3 points per 100 possessions to 102.1 for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 55-40.
Who stood out
LaMelo Ball was the game's biggest individual force for CHA: 29 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl on 9-19 shooting. His Game Score of 22.1 led everyone. His team was +12 with him on the floor.
Taylor Hendricks led the Grizzlies with 14 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl on 4-7 shooting, good for a 16.7 Game Score.
Moussa Diabate (11 pts, 14 reb, 3 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Hornets about a 90% chance.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, Memphis Grizzlies lead 2-1.
The Hornets are now 37-34, and the Grizzlies are 24-46. The Hornets last five before this game: W-W-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.