The Los Angeles Clippers made it eight straight and the Charlotte Hornets made it six, but the Clippers are counting wins and the Hornets losses. Holding the surging Clippers to under 100 at the Staples Center, the injury plagued Hornets played well in spots against an LA squad that — despite Blake Griffin’s absence — looks powerful. But the Hornets ultimately fell 97-83. Chris Paul had 25 points and seven assists. DeAndre Jordan had 19 rebounds.
Jeremy Lin had to guard scorers (J.J. Reddick had 17 for the Clippers) and committed five personal fouls. But in only his sixth start since joining Charlotte Lin again showed the ability to change game dynamics with his penetration. Lin, who scored 26 (nearly a third of the Hornets points) on 9-of 16 shooting picked up for Kemba Walker, who struggled with 11 points on 25% shooting against Chris Paul. The Hornets had given up 111-plus points per game over the last five losses and saw some light on defense in LA despite the loss. Problem was they shot just 37% from the field while the Clippers shot 44%. Lin shot 3-or4 from 3-point territory and 5-of-6 from the line.
