When NBA action tipped off Thursday, there probably weren’t many people drawn to the Charlotte Hornets hosting Tyreke Evans and the Memphis Grizzlies. But it didn’t take long for Charlotte to demand some attention.
Led by All-Star guard Kemba Walker, the Hornets obliterated the Grizzlies 140-79. Memphis became only the sixth team in NBA history to lose by 60 points or more.
Evans couldn’t do anything but watch Charlotte enjoy the rout, per Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal.
“They were out there just laughing. It was embarrassing. The whole thing.”
Charlotte scored at least 37 points in each of the first three quarters, building a 112-57 advantage heading into the final frame. The simple thought of doubling up an opponent in an NBA game is absurd, yet the Hornets nearly accomplished it.
Walker buried 13 of his 18 shots, including a scorching 10-of-14 mark from three-point distance, to put up 46 points. As a team, Charlotte was 53.3 percent from the field and buried 19 triples.
Evans provided 16 points, but he was one of only two Grizzlies to shoot above 40 percent on the night. Yes, Memphis is tanking. Still, it can hardly get more embarrassing than a 61-point loss.