The Charlotte Hornets faced off against the Washington Wizards in a critical matchup, entering the game on a five-game losing streak. In their previous encounter, the Hornets had struggled significantly, particularly from three-point range, and were without Brandon Miller due to an ankle injury. However, Miller returned to the starting lineup for this game, providing a much-needed boost to the offense.
Despite Miller's presence, the Hornets' defense was once again a major concern, allowing the Wizards to make several open three-pointers early in the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Hornets found themselves trailing 29-34. The situation worsened in the second quarter, as the Wizards extended their lead to as much as 21 points. Charlotte managed to narrow the gap towards the end of the half, but they still faced a significant deficit.
After halftime, LaMelo Ball emerged as a key player for the Hornets, scoring 14 points in the third quarter and helping to close the gap. The game saw a dramatic shift as international players Tidjane Salaün and Vasilije Micic made crucial shots, allowing Charlotte to tie the game at 96. The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging leads. Ultimately, Jordan Poole's decisive three-pointer with eight seconds left sealed the victory for the Wizards.
Although the Hornets showed some improvement in their offensive performance, achieving a 40.5% success rate from beyond the arc, their defense remained abysmal. The Wizards capitalized on Charlotte's lack of effort, particularly in transition. Brandon Miller, typically known for scoring, had a standout game with a career-high nine assists, while LaMelo Ball contributed with a highlight play by assisting Mark Williams for a slam dunk.
The Hornets are set to host the Oklahoma City Thunder next, hoping to turn their season around as they continue to face challenges on both ends of the court.
