Nick Richards had 21 points (16 in the paint) and 10 rebounds, and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 93-80.
The Hornets took control with a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter and led by as many as 21.
Early in the fourth quarter, Matisse Thybulle had 2 of his 6 steals in 59 seconds, the first leading to Jabari Walker’s driving layup and the second to Deandre Ayton’s free throws.
For the Trail Blazers, Ayton had 26 points and 19 rebounds on 11 for 16 shooting, and Anfernee Simons went 0 for 8 from 3. Thybulle had 0 points and 6 steals.
The Hornets shot 49.3% from the field and 29.2% from 3 to the Trail Blazers’ 34.7% and 9.4%. They held the Trail Blazers to 80 points.