CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Based on their track record over the past two seasons, the Charlotte Hornets really couldn't afford to make this one close down the stretch.
The Hornets have been awful this season and last in tight games, the most recent example being a one-point home loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday. Monday, they held off the Sacramento Kings 112-107 at Spectrum Center after leading by as many as 20 points to a rebuilding team with just 13 victories this season.
Point guard Kemba Walker, the subject of recent trade speculation, led the Hornets with 25 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jeremy Lamb had a strong game off the bench for the Hornets (19-26) with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field.
The Kings (13-33) lost both games in the season series with the Hornets, who are 2-1 in a five-game home stand at Spectrum Center.
