CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Taurean Prince scored a season-high 25 points with six 3-pointers, Jarrett Allen had 15 points and eight rebounds in his first action since March 26 and the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Charlotte Hornets their third straight loss at home Wednesday night, 103-90.
Kevin Love added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who snapped a two-game skid.
Terry Rozier had 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges added 20 points.
It was Allen’s first action since suffering a concussion against the Los Angeles Lakers, forcing him to miss eight games. He opened strong with two dunks on Cleveland’s first three possessions and had four for the game.
Larry Nance Jr. also returned for Cleveland after missing seven games with an illness, but struggled to find his rhythm. He finished with five points on 1-of-7 shooting in 20 minutes.
Prior to the game, the frontcourt tandem of Love and Allen had played just seven minutes together.
But they played off each other well when on the floor together, and the Cavaliers (20-34) are hoping Allen’s return will result in a strong finish to the season.
Rozier returned to the starting lineup after sitting out Tuesday night, but the Hornets (20-20) were still without four of their top six scorers in LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington and Malik Monk — and it showed.
The Hornets shot 40.5% from the field and 50% from the line.
Cleveland led by nine entering the fourth quarter and repeatedly kept the Hornets at bay behind a series of 3-pointers, including three by Prince in the final four minutes. Prince finished 9 of 13 from the field and 6 of 8 from 3-point range.
TIP INS
Cavaliers: Collin Sexton missed his second straight game with a strained groin. … Bench outscored Charlotte 41-19.
Hornets: Were outrebounded 47-38.
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: Host the Warriors on Thursday night on the second of a back-to-back.
Hornets: Travel to face the Nets on Friday night.
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