Jordan Poole delivered a game-high 27 points, and Malcolm Brogdon made a triumphant return with 25 points, propelling the Washington Wizards to a much-needed 123-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
For a team that has struggled mightily this season, the Wizards (4-21) snapped a three-game losing streak and claimed just their second win in 21 outings.
Rookie Alex Sarr showcased his potential with an impressive performance, recording 19 points and nine rebounds. Washington’s young core, paired with the veteran presence of Brogdon, carried the momentum through a strong fourth quarter to secure the win. The Wizards’ victory offers a glimmer of hope as they continue to navigate a challenging season following last year’s franchise-worst 15-67 campaign.
LaMelo Ball was the standout for the Hornets, scoring 34 points and dishing out 13 assists in a losing effort. However, Charlotte’s shooting woes and lack of depth without key players contributed to their third straight loss and 11th defeat in the past 12 games.
Miles Bridges and Mark Williams added solid contributions for Charlotte, each finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Hornets were unable to keep pace with the Wizards’ late-game surge, as Washington’s hot shooting from beyond the arc proved too much to handle.
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Brogdon, who had missed the previous four games due to a hamstring strain, made an immediate impact in his return. The veteran guard showed why he has been one of Washington’s most reliable performers, providing a steady hand in critical moments. His performance marked the seventh time in eight games that he has scored at least 15 points in under 30 minutes, highlighting his efficiency.
The key moment of the game came in the closing minutes. With Washington clinging to a narrow lead, Brogdon drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing and then set up Sarr for another triple on the ensuing possession. The back-to-back daggers stretched the Wizards’ advantage to 12 points with just 1:29 remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
On the other side, Ball’s shooting struggles from deep hindered Charlotte’s comeback chances. Despite his impressive scoring and playmaking, Ball finished just 3 of 18 from beyond the arc—a dismal 16.7% clip. This marked his second-worst performance from three-point range this season, lowering his season average to 34.6%.
For the Hornets, the absence of Brandon Miller loomed large. The second-year guard, who had scored 20 or more points in 12 straight games before leaving early against Philadelphia, sat out with a left ankle sprain. While his return appears imminent after participating in the team’s morning shootaround, his scoring prowess was sorely missed.
Wizards supremacy
The Wizards won on Charlotte’s short-handed lineup, showing flashes of what their roster could achieve when healthy. Poole’s scoring outburst, combined with Brogdon’s leadership and Sarr’s emergence, provided a balanced attack that the Hornets couldn’t match.
As both teams look ahead, their schedules don’t get any easier. Charlotte will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, a matchup that will test their resilience against one of the league’s elite squads. Meanwhile, Washington travels to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, seeking to build on this rare moment of success.
Ultimately, the Wizards’ victory highlighted the importance of Brogdon’s return and the potential of their young core. For the Hornets, Ball’s brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome their ongoing struggles, raising questions about how they’ll rebound as the season progresses.