The Charlotte Hornets predictably lacked offensive firepower due to injuries and were swiftly and thoroughly beaten by the Boston Celtics on Sunday, 116-86.
While the Hornets led throughout much of the first period and 26-25 at the end of the frame, the Celtics took the lead early in the second quarter and did not look back. A Marcus Smart 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer gave the hosts a 58-43 halftime lead and that margin ballooned to 28 points heading into the fourth.
Terry Rozier had 22 points for the Hornets but needed 19 shots to do so. Devonte’ Graham (11) and Miles Bridges (10) were the only other players in double figures.
Six players reached double figures for Boston, led by Jayson Tatum’s 22.
