DENVER (AP) — Cody Zeller scored a career-best 21 points, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 17, and the Charlotte Hornets routed the reeling Denver Nuggets 104-86 on Saturday night.

Al Jefferson and Jason Maxiell added 14 points apiece for the Hornets, who have won 10 of their last 13 games.

They have held their opponents to under 100 points in 12 of those games. And their solid play has continued in the absence of Kemba Walker, who underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be out at least six weeks.

Danilo Gallinari’s 15 points led the Nuggets, who were dealt a blow before the game. Star forward Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur, a key reserve, were both held out because of illness.