Rozier, Hayward Help Hornets Rally Past Kings 122-116
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Terry Rozier scored 26 points, Gordon Hayward added 25 and the Charlotte Hornets overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half to beat the Sacramento Kings 122-116 on Monday night for their fourth straight win.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, while Richaun Holmes had 17 points and 15 rebounds.
The Hornets (20-18) trailed the entire way until Hayward came up with the play of the game with 1:33 left.
Hayward forced a steal, took a look-ahead pass from Rozier and delivered a powerful two-hand dunk over Fox, bringing the pandemic-restricted crowd of about 3,000 to its feet. He was fouled on the play and made the free throw to give Charlotte its first lead at 113-111.
Hield quickly tied the game at the other end, but Rozier answered with a huge 3-pointer from the left wing to put the Hornets ahead for good with 54 seconds left.
Down three, the Kings (15-24) fouled Bismack Biyombo and he missed both free throws. But the reserve center quickly redeemed himself at the other end of the court by blocking Fox on a drive to the basket with 34 seconds left.
Rozier and Hayward iced the game with each making two free throws.
TIP INS
Kings: Shot 55.8% from the field and scored 68 points in the paint. ... Coach Luke Walton picked up a technical foul in the third quarter.
Hornets: LaMelo Ball had 16 points and four assists. ... Bench outscored the Kings 42-22. ... Had 30 assisted baskets.
UP NEXT
Kings: Visit Wizards on Wednesday night.
Hornets: Will play 11 of their next 13 games on the road beginning Wednesday night at Denver.
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