WALKER SCORES 31 TO LEAD HORNETS

N.C.» Kemba Walker CHARLOTTE, scored 31 points, rookie Miles Bridges had 11 points and 12 rebounds for his first career double-double on his 21st birthday, and the Hornets handed the Timberwolves their fifth straight loss, 113-106 on Thursday night.

Jeremy Lamb added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who won for only the fifth time in their last 16 games.

Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 21 points and 16 rebounds.

Hornets coach James Borrego turned to his youth after entering the night 3½ games behind the eighth-place Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference and with the team’s playoff hopes fading fast.

Second-year player Dwayne Bacon got the start over Nic Batum, who earns $24 million per season. Bridges continued to start while rookie Devonte Graham and second-year pro Malik Monk (14 points) also saw action.

Youth was served as Charlotte outscored Minnesota 17-6 on fast-break points.

Hawks 117, Jazz 114. ATLANTA»

Trae Young scored 23 points, including a go-ahead three-point play, and the Hawks ended the Jazz’s five-game winning streak.

Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 34 points.

It was a costly loss. The Jazz entered the game fifth in the Western Conference but only a half-game ahead of a pack of three teams tied for sixth.