Hornets rally from 14 down to beat winless Kings 118-111

Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield, left, guards Charlotte Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham, right, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. | AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  — P.J. Washington controlled the post well enough to keep Charlotte close until the rest of his teammates found their rhythm. The Hornets rookie showed some versatility, too, when he stepped out and made a pair of shots beyond the arc.

Washington scored 23 points to lead seven Charlotte players in double figures and the Hornets rallied from 14 down to beat the winless Sacramento Kings 118-111 on Wednesday night (Thursday morning, October 31, 2019, Philippine time).

“I thought he imposed his will on that game immediately when he stepped on the floor,” Charlotte coach James Borrego said. “Right now we have a young man that has that potential to go down in the post and play out in the perimeter. That’s a very complete young man.”

The 12th overall pick in the draft, Washington has been everything the Hornets hoped for, particularly playing center when Borrego goes with his small lineup.

Washington’s perimeter shooting has provided an equally big boost. He had two 3s against the Kings and is shooting 13 of 25 beyond the arc through five games.

“I’m shooting it with confidence,” Washington said. “If I have an open look I’m definitely taking it. If you don’t have a hand up I’m shooting it.”

Terry Rozier had 22 points, six assists and five rebounds for Charlotte, which hadn’t won since beating Chicago in the season-opener. The Hornets set a franchise-record with 23 3-pointers against the Bulls and had another big night beyond the arc against Sacramento, going 16 of 32.

Cody Zeller added 12 points and 15 rebounds for Charlotte (2-3) while Malik Monk scored 18.

Buddy Hield scored 23 points and Harrison Barnes had 22 for the Kings. Sacramento (0-5) is off to its worst start since 1990-91 when the Kings lost their first seven on the way to a 25-57 record.

“We have to punch back,” said Sacramento’s Richaun Holmes, who started at center as part of coach Luke Walton’s attempt to shake the Kings out of their funk. “Teams are going to make runs and we haven’t responded, especially in the third quarter. We get punched. We have to be ready to respond.”

The Hornets trailed 49-35 midway through the second quarter but closed within 66-61 at halftime, then took control in the third quarter. Rozier, Monk and Miles Bridges each made two 3-pointers, and Devonte Graham added a pair of free throws that made it 93-84.