Nets Fall to Hornets 104-96

(BROOKLYN) — There was no home cooking for the Nets on Sunday, thanks in large part to an opposing player who has had plenty of meals in the five boroughs.

Bronx native Kemba Walker scored 28 points as the Charlotte Hornets topped the Nets 104-96 in their final game at Barclays Center before embarking on a nine-game, three-week road trip.

Brooklyn was unable to build off of an impressive win over the Knicks just two days prior. Joe Johnson scored a team-high 17 points, while Brook Lopez totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

The first quarter was competitive between the two teams. Walker hit a three pointer to break a 26-all tie, keying a 22-7 run which opened up the game.  The Nets fought back, but were never able to recover from their early deficit.

Nicolas Batum added 16 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, helping the Hornets win their fifth straight game.

The Nets’ road trip will begin on Tuesday night in Portland, where they will face old friend Mason Plumlee and the upstart Trail Blazers.

Notes:  

Bargnani bought out: Sean Marks made his first move as general manager over the weekend, parting ways with disappointing forward Andrea Bargnani.  The Nets agreed to buy out Bargnani’s contract.  He was in the first year of a guaranteed two-year deal.  Bargnani reportedly wanted out, and because he was released before March 1., he will be eligible to play in the postseason if a contending team decides to sign him.

In 46 games this season, Bargnani averaged 6.6 points in 13.8 minutes per game.  With the NBA debut of rookie Chris McCullough, Bargnani found himself glued to the bench for the past several games.  The Nets’ roster now stands at 14 players, and it will be interesting to see whether Marks looks to add a player.

Lopez from downtown: In one of the lighter moments for the Nets on Sunday, Lopez hit his first 3-pointer of the season.  With time winding down in the third quarter, Lopez fired off an off-balance three from the right wing and connected to beat the buzzer.