National Basketball Association

Boston's Long Range Barrage Cripples the Hornets in Home Opening Loss

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Avery Bradley and the Boston Celtics ended the Charlotte Hornets best start in franchise history with a 104-98 win, spoiling opening night at the Spectrum Center.

VS.

	1	2	3	4	T
Hornets	19	22	31	26	98
Celtics	28	16	27	33	104

Avery Bradley’s career high eight three-pointers spurred the Boston Celtics to a hard fought victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Bradley finished with 31 points on the night and grabbed 11 boards.

The Celtics bolstered their record to (2-1) behind a sound team shooting night. While Charlotte fell to (2-1) on the year, after their best start in franchise history.

Kemba Walker turned in a season high 29 points and paired it with three steals. Though it wasn’t enough with the Celtics making easy work of the Hornets perimeter defense all night. Boston shot 48.4% from long range and never let the Hornets rest on defense, switching matchups at will with precise ball movement.

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Aside from Bradley, Isiah Thomas turned in a typical 24 point night and coupled it with seven assists. Meanwhile, Al Horford put up a season high 14 points on 60% shooting, his most effective shooting night in a Celtic uniform.

Frank Kaminsky came off the bench in his first regular season action and dropped in 11 points, showing zero limitation in his return. Nevertheless, Marvin Williams and Nicholas Batum combined for 21 points on 30% shooting. While Cody Zeller and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added to the team shooting struggles, coupling for 14 points on the night.

Jeremy Lamb performed well off the bench to start the game but strained his left hamstring early in the second quarter. Lamb didn’t return to the floor and his status for the next game is uncertain.

Highlight of the Night

.@spencerhawes00 finds Jeremy Lamb for the DUNK !! #BOSatCHA pic.twitter.com/AbacGYMbu0

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 29, 2016

Tweet of the Night:

NIC! NIC! NIC! His running jumper puts the Hornets up 72-71 at the end of the 3rd Q! pic.twitter.com/klfRoLbYqR

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 30, 2016

Quick Stings

Charlotte’s next matchup is against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers (0-2), who will make the trip to Charlotte for next Wednesday’s clash. Meanwhile, Boston will also enjoy a break before they take on Dwayne Wade and the Chicago Bulls (2-0) in Boston next Wednesday.

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