CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ The week-long break from games for All-Star Weekend sure looked refreshing for Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard.
Howard, acquired in a June trade with the Atlanta Hawks, had 15 points and a season-high 24 rebounds (two short of matching his career high) in a 111-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center. The victory improved the Hornets to 25-33, their second consecutive victory. Just prior to the break, the Hornets beat the Orlando Magic on the road.
The Hornets spread their lead to 17 with two minutes left to secure the victory over the Nets (19-41). Hornets point guard Kemba Walker, fresh off his second All-Star Game appearance Sunday, finished with 31 points. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 13 points, Marvin Williams had 11 and Nic Batum 10 as all five Hornets starters reached double figures scoring.
The Nets were led by Dante Cunningham's 22 points and 12 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie added 12 points and nine assists.
This starts a busy stretch for the Hornets, with a road game Friday against the Washington Wizards. The Hornets won their first two games in that series this season.
