Charlotte Hornets' Kemba Walker (15) drives between Utah Jazz's Rodney Hood (5) and Joe Johnson, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016. The Hornets won 104-98. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Absence makes the heart grow fonder, some say. In the Utah Jazz’s case, absence, specifically George Hill’s absence, makes the heart grow much fonder.
It also makes it harder to beat a tough team.
Though Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood had strong games, the Jazz clearly missed their starting point guard in Wednesday’s 104-98 loss to the Hornets at the Spectrum Center.