CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Kemba Walker had a game to remind the Eastern Conference coaches why he is again All-Star worthy.
Not much else reflected well on the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday in a 115-111 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Hornets (15-24) were coming off an encouraging 3-1 West Coast trip, and had four days off between games. Meanwhile, the Mavericks played the Orlando Magic in Dallas Tuesday before the long flight to Charlotte. That had no tangible benefit for the home team, as the Hornets gave up 42 percent shooting from 3-point range for the Mavs (15-28).
Walker finished with 41 points, keeping the Hornets in the game in the last minute, with a layup and a free throw to trim the deficit to one with 30 seconds left. Walker missed a 3-pointer with about 15 seconds left. Dwight Howard (15 points and 12 boards) grabbed the offensive rebound, and made it a two-point game with the Mavs taking possession with 10 seconds left.
Harrison Barnes scored 25 for the Mavericks, including two insurance free throws in the last 10 seconds. Mavs guard Yogi Ferrell added 2.
