Celtics buzz by Hornets 96-88 in Isaiah Thomas' return

The Boston Celtics (14-12) were staggering, losers of three-straight before Friday's home game against the Charlotte Hornets (14-13). Behind 26 points from Isaiah Thomas, and a solid all-around effort from Al Horford (18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five blocks) the C's snapped their skid, outlasting the Hornets 96-88 in front of their home crowd.

Thomas, who had missed the last four games with a groin injury, was the spark the Celtics desperately needed. The pint-sized point guard played nearly 35 minutes in his return shooting 9-of-20 from the field, while dishing out five assists.

Down nine at the half (50-41) the Celtics outscored the Hornets 54-38 in the final two quarters to notch their 14th win of the season.

Charlotte, playing without their leading scorer, Kemba Walker who missed the game due to a family emergency, were led by Nicolas Batum who scored 22 points while grabbing 10 rebounds.

The C's stop home was a quick one, as they now head to the road for three in a row, starting with a visit to South Beach on Sunday evening.

Photo Credit Elise Amendola/Associated Press

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