CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Beating the Phoenix Suns these days is no feat, but at this point any victory looks appetizing to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets broke a five-game losing streak Saturday, topping a depleted Suns team, 122-115, at Spectrum Center. The Suns were missing three core players in Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren, all out with various injuries.
The Hornets led by as many as 22 points, but the Suns made a run in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to two. Nic Batum banked in a 3-pointer with 52 seconds to spread the lead to five. Dwight Howard made two free throws after that to secure the victory.
Howard finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds, and Batum had 29 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
Former Hornet Troy Daniels led the way with 17 points for the Suns, who had seven players score in double figures.
