Rozier, Howard give Hornets push past Wizards
Terry Rozier scored 27 points, Gordon Hayward had 26 points and a season-high 11 rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Washington Wizards 114-104 on Tuesday night.
Charlotte has won four of five after losing rookie La Melo Ball to a fractured right wrist.
Washington (17-29) played without NBA leading scorer Bradley Beal for the second straight game due to a bruised right hip. Rui Hachimura tied his career high with 30 points for the Wizards. Russell Westbrook had his 17th tripledouble of the season and his third straight with 22 points, 15 assists and 15 rebounds. The Hornets, who improved to 24-22, went on a 16-2 run to take a 50-39 lead midway in the second quarter. While Washington got within 98-95 with 4:12 to play, Charlotte pulled away to secure the win. Devonte’ Graham scored 17 points and Cody Zeller had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Hornets.
DRUMMOND TO START IN HIS LAKERS’ DEBUT VS. BUCKS >>
Newly acquired center Andre Drummond will start in his team debut when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
Drummond practiced with the team for the first time on Tuesday. Coach Frank Vogel was impressed with his effort and made the announcement that the 27-year-old would start ahead of Marc Gasol.
Drummond, a two-time All-Star and four-time NBA rebounding leader, was thrilled to hear he will be in the starting lineup.
The addition of Drummond comes at a time when LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (calf) remain sidelined with injuries.
JAZZ PLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING >> The Utah Jazz’s team charter plane had to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff on Tuesday after striking a flock of birds that resulted in an engine issue.
The Jazz were en route to Memphis, Tennessee, where they are scheduled to play the Grizzlies on Wednesday evening.
No injuries were reported. The Jazz confirmed their Delta charter for Wednesday’s game returned to Salt Lake City shortly after takeoff.