CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard really wanted to stick it to the Atlanta Hawks for trading him last June. He made his statement late in the fourth quarter.
Playing one foul away from a disqualification, Howard went after a layup by former teammate Kent Bazemore. That clean block helped the Hornets secure a 121-110 home victory. Howard finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds, making 10 of his 14 free throws.
Hornets point guard Kemba Walker finished with 29 points, making five of his 10 3-pointers.
The Hornets completed a five-game homestand with a 3-2 record. They improved to 20-27 overall. The Hawks fell to 14-34, 0-2 this season against the Hornets.
Bazemore made six of his first eight shots for the Hawks, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range, and finished with a team-high 26 points.
