NBA Scores: Charlotte Hornets Beat Atlanta Hawks in Double Overtime, 122-119

It took two extra periods, a 34-point output from center Al Jefferson and a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Lance Stephenson but the Charlotte Hornets repulsed the Atlanta Hawks repeated rallies to gain a 122-119 victory on Friday night in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Jefferson dominated inside early and Stephenson finished off the Hawks with the shot at the buzzer with a tied game with 2.7 seconds left.

The Hornets improved to 3-3 for the season while forcing the Hawks to lose three of four to start the year. Five other players joined Jefferson, who also had 9 rebounds and 3 assists, in double-figure scoring. Stephenson had 17 points and 13 rebounds while Gary Neal came off the bench to score 24 markers on 3-of-5 shooting from behind the arc.

The entire Hawks’ starters all finished with 13 or more points led by Al Horford (24 points and 10 rebounds) and Jeff Teague (22 points and 15 assists) but just couldn’t get the stops when it mattered the most. Charlotte shot 49.5% from the field (48/97 FGs) and had 58 points in the paint— majority of which from star big man Jefferson.

Kyle Korver had 20 markers hitting 4-of-7 shots from behind the arc for the Hawks, which has now suffered back-to-back close losses after falling to San Antonio, 94-92 last Wednesday.

The Hawks held a six-point lead off free throws made from Paul Millsap (13 points) with exactly three minutes to go in the game but Gary Neal, Kemba Walker (15 points and 10 assists) and Jefferson hit clutch baskets late to force the overtime. MIllsap missed a shot with a second to go in regulation.

Charlotte has won back-to-back games after a three-game skid to return to the .500 mark after six games in the regular season.

Upcoming Schedule (Next 3 Games):

Charlotte Hornets: at Los Angeles Lakers, at Portland Trail Blazers, at Phoenix Suns

Atlanta Hawks: vs. New York Knicks, at New York Knicks, vs. Utah Jazz