The Charlotte Hornets handled the Milwaukee Bucks like a playoff team is supposed to handle an also-ran, ripping the Bucks 115-91 in Milwaukee. Hornets coach Steve Clifford gave time to 13 players, with Nic Batum leading the team in minutes (35) and points (25).
The Hornets (42-31) have surprised the NBA, not least with their depth. Al Jefferson and Jeremy Lin led the Charlotte reserves in scoring with 15 and nine points respectively. Lin was a major contributor to big wins last week, including scoring 29 in leading the Hornets in a comeback win against the Western Conference powerhouse San Antonio Spurs. He had a subpar shooting outing afterwards, but bounced back in the Bucks blowout going 4-of-5 from the field in just under 25 minutes as the Hornets hone their playoff confidence.