The Charlotte Hornets (47-34) defeated the Boston Celtics (47-34) 114-100 on Monday.
Both teams came into the game neck-and-neck for the fifth and sixth seeds in the Eastern Conference, with opportunity to still better or worsen their playoff positioning. The Hornets brought Al Jefferson back into the starting lineup in place of Cody Zeller (chest), and he responded with a vintage performance. However, it was a standout effort from Jeremy Lin in 39 minutes off the bench that sparked Charlotte. The Hornets turned the game around on a massive 31-3 run over the final eight minutes of the second quarter, and hung on to secure the tough, late-season road win.
The Hornets were led by Lin's 25 points, which he supplemented with seven rebounds, five assists, five steals and a block. Kemba Walker paced the starting five with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block. Jefferson was next with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and a block. Marvin Williams matched Jefferson's point total but could only add a rebound, an assist, a steal and two blocks. Troy Daniels also scored in double digits off the bench, tallying 11 points and a rebound.
Charlotte is in third place in the Easter Conference's Southeast Division, one game behind the division-leading Atlanta Hawks. They're also slotted in the sixth seed for the moment, and wrap up the season against the Orlando Magic at home on Wednesday.
The Celtics were led by a pair of 17-point efforts from their starting backcourt of Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley. The former also supplied four assists, two rebounds and a steal, while the latter registered two rebounds and an assist. No other starter managed double-digit scoring, but the bench saw four players accomplish the feat. The reserves were paced by Evan Turner, who contributed 15 points, seven boards and an assist. Kelly Olynyk followed with 14 points, 11 rebounds and an assist. R.J. Hunter pitched in with 11 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Marcus Smart compiled 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Boston remains in second place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, and still has a hold of the fifth seed for the moment. They close out their season on Wednesday night at home against the Miami Heat.
