When the Hornets cut it to four with 11:17 left, Russell responded with two and-ones and a transition 3 to keep them at arm’s length. The veteran guard scored the Nets’ first 15 points in the final frame, which pushed their lead to 14 with 7:09 left, but Charlotte refused to go away.

Charlotte 11-34 (Smith Jr. 3-9, Baugh 2-6, Bridges 2-6, Flynn 1-1, Moore Jr. 1-1, Jeffries 1-3, Salaun 1-4, Green 0-4). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_Brooklyn 37 (Claxton, Russell 6), Charlotte 50 (Diabate 15).