Wizards Snap Streak, Beat Hornets 113-100 in NBA Showdown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets 113-100 Saturday night, marking their second win in nine games and clinching a four-game season sweep over their rivals. Despite having the league’s worst record at 11-48, the Wizards capitalized on a strong performance from their bench.

Khris Middleton and Bilal Coulibaly led a balanced scoring effort for Washington with 17 points each, while Richaun Holmes provided a pivotal 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench. The Wizards featured eight different players in double figures, showcasing their depth in the road victory.

The Hornets, plagued by injuries, continued their struggles, suffering their sixth consecutive loss, bringing their record to 14-45. Mark Williams had a standout game for Charlotte, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, followed by LaMelo Ball with 20 points and Miles Bridges contributing 18 points and a team-high seven assists.

The first quarter was tightly contested, with Charlotte taking a narrow 25-24 lead. However, the Wizards quickly shifted momentum in the third quarter. After trailing at halftime, Washington went on a 15-5 run, outscoring the Hornets 30-16 in the period to take an 84-73 lead into the final frame.

“We focused on our defense in the second half and it really paid off,” said Wizards head coach Brian Keefe. “Richaun’s rebounding and scoring gave us the lift we needed.”

In the final quarter, the Wizards maintained their lead, with critical contributions from their second unit who outscored Charlotte’s bench 50-13. Holmes, in particular, was instrumental, finishing with a perfect 5-for-6 from the field.

“It feels great to contribute, especially after sitting out for a while,” said Holmes, referring to his recent ankle sprain. “Every win matters, and we stepped up tonight.”

The Hornets struggled with turnovers, committing 17 throughout the game, which was a key factor in their defeat. Charlotte’s inability to capitalize on their offensive possessions hampered their scoring efforts and continued a trend seen during their recent losing streak.

Next, the Wizards will face the Miami Heat on Monday, while the Hornets will host the Golden State Warriors, looking to break their losing streak.