The Charlotte Hornets have won their second consecutive game after defeating the Boston Celtics comfortably at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte on Wednesday night.

The Celtics took early control of the match, exhibiting their ability to 'run and gun' with high powered offensive tempo. The battle of the Zeller twins occurred tonight, as the older, Tyler, took the early dominance, scoring nine first half points and ripping in four rebounds. 

The Hornets tried to slow the tempo in the first half, playing a predominantly halfcourt game, using a large amount of the shot clock before attempting to hammer the ball down low. Both teams shot poorly in the first half - at roughly 38 percent and 40 percent respectively. 

The Celtics held a six-point lead at halftime, as the Hornets fans and coaching staff were frustrated with the embattled Lance Stephenson, who's 10.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game has been exceptionally underwhelming at this point in the season.

Stephenson had three points at halftime and a number of crucial turnovers that negatively swung the momentum. Although Stephenson has led the Hornets 11 times in rebounds as a two guard, and six times in assist totals, it has been his scoring (the main reason he was recruited) that has struggled. 

Needing to fill the team with an outside presence, Stephenson was expected to average roughly 20 points per game, as the Hornets push for an Eastern Conference playoff berth. 

After halftime, however, Stephenson proved his worth, scoring seven straight points and igniting the crowd with a New York treat, the "shimmy and shake" celebration. 

Charlotte increased the tempo, receiving exceptional efficiency from key team member Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who contributed nine points and six rebounds off the bench, along with crucial defensive stops. 

Kidd-Gilchrist may be the missing link to add cohesion and a defensive presence on the team, allowing Stephenson to stretch the floor more and concentrate on his offensive.

The Celtics fought gallantly, however, and the game was in reach at the final break after a double technical between Rondo and Stephenson ignited both clubs and the home fans. 

It was the Hornets who stormed home, riding the wave of momentum that Big Al Jefferson has been carrying, as he contributed 12 final quarter points (23 in total) along with 14 rebounds for the game to lift them over the top. 

Jefferson was running a post play master class on the Celtics frontcourt tandem of Zeller and Kelly Olynyk, with pump fakes, step arounds, and a healthy production from the costless throw line - shooting 5-of-6.

Cody Zeller was unproductive for the majority of the game and seemed somewhat daunted by facing his big brother Tyler. At one point they met at the rim as Cody attempted a poster dunk, which was thwarted by his brother - assumingly not the first time over the years. 

Kemba Walker continued his stat-sheet stuffing, contributing 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals - yet the Hornets need more offensive production from Stephenson to continue being competitive. 

Used to being a third or fourth option in Indiana behind Paul George, David West and company, Stephenson is now facing greater defensive pressure and needs to extend his game style from a one-on-one isolation to a spread the floor shooter. 

Charlotte now holds some momentum, as they head to the FedEx Forum to face the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies, masters of the halfcourt game. Zeller and Jefferson will face the twin-tower-tandem of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol (arguably leading the MVP race at this point in the season).

This match will be a good measuring point for the underperforming Hornets who, if victorious, may see a healthy winning streak commence. 

Charlotte:

Points - Jefferson, 23

Rebounds - Jefferson, 14

Assists - Walker, 7

Boston:

Points - Green, 17, Rondo 12 (honorable mention for triple-double)

Rebounds - Rondo, 10

Assists - Rondo, 10