CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ This one looked like another crater job, after the Charlotte Hornets fell behind by 17 points in the first half versus the Boston Celtics.
The Hornets closed the deficit to as little as two, but the end result was indicative of this season: A 102-91 loss that dropped the Hornets to 12-22 overall and 10-10 at Spectrum Center.
Kemba Walker finished with 24 points and five assists for the Hornets. The Celtics (28-10) made 15 of their 34 3-point attempts. Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving finished with 21 points and eight assists, and forward Al Horford added 20 points and 11 rebounds, making four of his six 3-point attempts.
The Hornets now leave on their first West Coast trip this season, starting Friday in Oakland, Calif., versus the defending champion Golden State Warriors.