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BOX SCORE
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GAME FLOW
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- For the first time this season, the
Charlotte Hornets took the Chicago Bulls seriously. The result was
an easy victory over the worst team in the NBA.
Charlotte, which needed three overtimes to beat Chicago the
first time they played this season and a last-second 3-pointer in
the second game, dominated the Bulls on Monday night for a 102-94
victory.
"Teams aren't going to just come in and lay down for us," said
Charlotte guard David Wesley. "We need to remember that and to
play hard against everybody because bad teams can sneak up and get
you."
Charlotte will have to keep that in mind all week. The Hornets
have upcoming games against Vancouver, Cleveland and Washington --
all teams with sub-.500 records that rank at the bottom of their
divisions.
But all three teams of those teams have beaten the Hornets this
season and Washington has done it twice.
"These games will probably be dangerous for us," Elden
Campbell said. "Our first order of business is to take care of
them."
Jamal Mashburn had 28 points, 8 rebounds and a career-high 14
assists to lead the Hornets, who won their ninth straight against
the Bulls.
Campbell added 26 points and P.J. Brown had 10 points and 11
rebounds to tie Charlotte's club record with nine consecutive
point-rebound double-doubles. Wesley scored 14.
The win improved Charlotte to 11-2 since the All-Star Break and
pulled the Hornets within two games of Milwaukee for the Central
Division lead.
"We're right where we want to be," Wesley said. "We need to
take care of business and keep playing well. If we do that, we can
win a lot more games."
Former Hornet Brad Miller had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the
Bulls, who extended their road losing streak to a franchise-high 19
games. They've now lost 25 of their last 30.
The Bulls, who fell behind by 15 in the first quarter, briefly
made it a game when they took a 50-49 lead with 1:21 to play in the
second quarter. But Charlotte closed out the half with an 8-2 run
and Chicago never challenged again.
The Bulls fell apart after the break, failing to score a point
for the first six minutes of the third quarter. Elton Brand turned
the ball over on three straight possessions and had a shot blocked
by Campbell as Chicago self-destructed.
By the time Ron Mercer sank two free throws, the Hornets had
built a 75-54 lead with 6:28 to play in the quarter.
"Their run to start the third really deflated our momentum
heading into the half," Brand said. "It's tough to combat a team
that runs 16 straight points off."
Things got worse for Chicago. Coach Tim Floyd, who drew a
technical for arguing with officials in the second quarter, was
ejected from the game during a timeout.
Once he was gone, the Bulls scored seven straight points to pull
within 81-70 at the end of the quarter. They closed the game with a
10-1 run in the final minute to make the final score closer than
the game was.
"I was disappointed with our defense," Floyd said. "If there
is one constant in this league, it's that you have to defend.
That's why Charlotte is so successful. They defend well every game.
We don't."
Mercer finished with 20 points and Brand added 18.
Game notes
The Hornets placed guard Eldridge Recasner on the injured
list before the game because of back spasms. They did not fill the
roster spot, leaving open the possibility that they could sign
forward Scott Burrell. The former Hornet still lives in Charlotte
and has been working out at the Hornets' training facility.
Charlotte vice president Bob Bass declined to comment on any
interest in Burrell. ... Chicago, which once won 17 straight
against the Hornets, last beat Charlotte on Feb. 27, 1999. ...
Mashburn's previous career high in assists was 10.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Chicago Clubhouse
Charlotte Clubhouse
RECAPS
Charlotte 102
Chicago 94
Minnesota 94
Miami 77
San Antonio 99
LA Clippers 81
Denver 84
Golden State 79
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