The Hornets have started the 2016-17 much like they ended the 2015-16 regular season: red hot.
They have won six of their first seven games after a 104-98 home victory over the Jazz on Wednesday. Six players finished in double figures for Charlotte, led by Kemba Walker's 21 points. It was a typical balanced scoring effort for a team without a superstar, but one loaded with many capable offensive players.
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Marvin Williams had a season-high 19 points, shooting 5 for 7 from the 3-point line. The bench also came up big with 41 points, despite going only four deep, as Spencer Hawes, Frank Kaminsky and Marco Belinelli all scored in double figures.
Many people wondered how the team would play without Jeremy Lin's scoring punch off the bench or Al Jefferson's low-post game, but two weeks into the season, things are looking pretty good. As of right now, the Hornets are tied atop the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers, which is better than anyone imagined.
Stud of the Night
DeMar DeRozan got the better of Russell Westbrook on Wednesday night. After recording a season-low 23 points against the Kings on Sunday, DeRozan went for 37 as his team defeated the Thunder 112-102.
Dud of the Night
Rajon Rondo continued his lukewarm start to the season by coming up short against the Hawks. Rondo scored just six points on 2-for-10 shooting as his Bulls fell 115-107 despite 39 points from Jimmy Butler.
Tweet of the Night
Zach LaVine is quietly developing into a really nice player, and he's not just doing it with dunks. The two-time NBA Dunk Contest winner hit 7 of 9 attempts from the 3-point line en route to 37 points as his Timberwolves beat the Magic 123-107.
And, yeah, he can still dunk.
Get up @ZachLaVine ! #NBAvine https://t.co/uS32crnx1i
— NBA (@NBA) November 10, 2016
Looking ahead
Bulls (4-4) at Heat (2-4), 8 p.m. ET, TNT — After 13 years of being the crowd favorite in American Airlines Arena, Dwyane Wade will assume the role of visitor for the first time as he returns with his struggling Bulls team, which has lost four of its last five games.