The visiting Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 109 - 101, on Monday. The Hornets (12 - 9) needed the win badly after having gone 4 - 6 in their previous ten games. Monday's matchup was among the easier on the Hornets' schedule, as Dallas sits near the bottom of the league standings. Still, Charlotte saw a hard - fought game, with the team's lead in single digits as the game neared its end. Guard Kemba Walker led the team with 19 points on 8 - of - 15 shooting, but had just three rebounds and four assists. Nicolas Batum, meanwhile, recorded 14 points and an impressive 15 rebounds from the shooting guard position. Batum also dished out a team - high seven assists. Dallas (4 - 16), meanwhile, sits only half a game above the league - worst 76ers following Monday's loss. Dallas has been heavily depleted by injury early this season, most notably to veteran star Dirk Nowitzki (achilles). On Monday, starters Dorian Finney-Smith and Andrew Bogut combined for just 35 minutes and one point, showcasing the dire state of Dallas's roster. Newly acquired forward Harrison Barnes, however, led the team with an impressive 29 points. Barnes has stepped up in his larger role with Dallas after spending years as a fourth option on offense in Golden State. The Hornets will host the Pistons on Thursday while Dallas will host the Kings.
["TeamStat(G,'Mavericks') has 16 Losses ,has 101 Total points ,has 4 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Hornets') has 9 Losses ,has 109 Total points ,has 12 Wins ."]