Keon Johnson scores 18 points as Nets beat Hornets 104-83 to snap 7-game losing streak

1 of 9 |

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) drives into Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

2 of 9 |

Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry (30) shoots against Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

3 of 9 |

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

4 of 9 |

Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate, left, drives past Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

5 of 9 |

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez directs his team against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

6 of 9 |

Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) shoots against Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

7 of 9 |

Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson (67) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

8 of 9 |

Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. (8) shoots over Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

9 of 9 |

Charlotte Hornets guard Vasa Micic (22) passes against Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22) and center Nic Claxton during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

By STEVE REED

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Keon Johnson led a balanced Brooklyn attack with 18 points, and the Nets snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 104-83 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.

Jalen Wilson added 15 points and Tosan Evbuomwan had 14 for the Nets, who never trailed.

Ben Simmons returned after missing the last five games with an illness and a back injury and had 10 points and six rebounds off the bench for the Nets.

Miles Bridges had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Hornets, who played without four regular starters including LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Brandon Miller and Josh Green. Vasa Micic overcame an early chest injury and returned to finish with 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Hornets had limited options offensively, and were held to 34% shooting from the floor and 29% from 3-point range.

Takeaways

Nets: Among the Nets who did not play were Cam Thomas (left hamstring strain), Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot recovery), Noah Clowney (left ankle sprain) and Cameron Johnson (right ankle sprain). The Nets won despite being outrebounded 52-40.

Hornets: The training staff is continuing to evaluate Ball’s most recent ankle sprain, but coach Charles Lee has not given an update on how long he expects the 2022 All-Star to be out. Williams missed the game due to left foot injury management.

Key moment

Brooklyn bolted to an 11-2 lead and pushed the advantage to 21 entering the fourth quarter.

Key stat

The Nets held the Hornets to 30% shooting in the first half and led 53-37 at the break.

Up next

The Nets visits the Rockets on Saturday night; the Hornets franchise-long nine-game homestand continues Friday night against the Clippers.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba