The Charlotte Hornets (17 - 25) defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves (7 - 33) 105 - 80 on Monday. Charlotte has turned their season around since the New Year, winning seven of their nine contests in 2015. While Kemba Walker was forced to sit out a second straight game with a knee issue, Al Jefferson returned from a nine - game absence with a groin injury. Jefferson played 25 minutes off the bench and put up eight points and five rebounds. Gerald Henderson scored a team - high 17 points, and Lance Stephenson handed out nine assists in 27 minutes off the bench. The Hornets sit just 1 games out of the final playoff spot in the East, and their next game will be at home against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Minnesota ran into the wall that is the Hornets' defense. After scoring 17+ points in each of his last ten games, including a career - high 31 points Saturday, Andrew Wiggins was held to just 12 points Monday, putting a stopper on the Timberwolves' most consistent weapon of late. Kevin Martin (wrist) remains on the cusp of returning to action for the T-Wolves, and Nikola Pekovic Ricky Rubio are nearing returns as well. Though it remains to be seen how Minnesota will deploy their rotation once healthy, as the team has publicly announced their intention to build for the future. The Timberwolves will return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
["TeamStat(G,'Hornets') has 25 Losses ,has 105 Total points ,has 17 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Timberwolves') has 33 Losses ,has 80 Total points ,has 7 Wins ."]