SHENZHEN, China – Cody Zeller and Jeremy Lin each scored 16 points to lead seven Charlotte players in double digits as the Hornets topped the Los Angeles Clippers 106-94 on Sunday in the first of two preseason NBA games between the teams in China.
The Clippers were without point guard Chris Paul, who fractured his left index finger in practice on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Kemba Walker added 13 points and Brian Roberts and Jeremy Lamb each had 12 for Charlotte, which improved its preseason record to 3-0 with owner Michael Jordan courtside in Shenzhen. The southern Chinese city was hosting its first NBA game.
HORNETS: Zeller was 6 for 6 from the floor and added 10 rebounds. Former Clipper Spencer Hawes also had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Al Jefferson struggled, missing seven of 11 shots and finishing with eight points.
CLIPPERS: JJ Redick had a team-high 23 points, shooting 4-for-9 from 3-point range. Starting in place of injured Paul, Pablo Prigioni had five points and seven assists in 30 minutes.
STAR WATCH: The Clippers' Blake Griffin had 13 points and 10 assists, while teammate DeAndre Jordan was limited to four points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes.
DID NOT PLAY: Paul's injury was not considered serious and he was to be re-evaluated before Wednesday's (Thursday in Manila) rematch in Shanghai. The Clippers also lost Austin Rivers to a mouth injury that he suffered in practice.
UP NEXT: Los Angeles and Charlotte play a second game in China at Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Arena.