Hornets Beat Wizards 110-103 Behind Brandon Miller’s 39 Points

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards 110-103 on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Spectrum Center, led by Brandon Miller’s game-high 39 points. Charlotte used a 35-point second quarter and a 54-41 rebounding advantage to improve to 3-1, holding off Washington’s fourth-quarter push.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Wizards Take a Narrow Lead

Washington finished the opening quarter ahead 21-19. It was the lowest-scoring period for both teams, with the Wizards establishing a two-point advantage before Charlotte changed the direction of the game in the second.

Second Quarter: Charlotte Moves Ahead

The Hornets outscored the Wizards 35-23 in the second quarter, turning their early deficit into a 54-44 halftime lead. That 12-point advantage in the period proved decisive: Washington won the first and fourth quarters, but could not make up the difference.

Third Quarter: Hornets Extend Their Cushion

Charlotte added to its lead with a 26-24 third quarter, taking an 80-68 advantage into the final period. Across the two middle quarters, the Hornets outscored Washington 61-47.

Fourth Quarter: Washington Closes the Gap

The Wizards produced their best offensive quarter of the night, scoring 35 points to Charlotte’s 30. That trimmed five points from the deficit, but the Hornets’ double-digit cushion entering the period was enough to secure a seven-point regulation victory.

Key Performers

• Brandon Miller, Hornets: Led all scorers with 39 points and added six rebounds and three steals.
• Moussa Diabate, Hornets: Collected a game-high 17 rebounds, providing a major contribution to Charlotte’s advantage on the boards.
• Dennis Schroder, Hornets: Led Charlotte with five assists.
• Anthony Davis, Wizards: Paced Washington with 29 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
• Trae Young, Wizards: Recorded a game-high 10 assists, accounting for nearly half of Washington’s 21 assists.

NerdSports Stat: Charlotte won by seven despite being outscored 64-60 on two-point baskets. The Hornets made up the difference with a nine-point advantage from 3-point range and a two-point advantage at the free-throw line.

Game Analysis

Charlotte Wins the Volume Battle

Washington shot more accurately, making 48.2% of its field-goal attempts compared with Charlotte’s 43.3%. But the Hornets attempted 97 shots to the Wizards’ 85 and finished with one more made field goal, 42-41. Their 54-41 rebounding advantage was another important numerical edge, with Diabate leading the way.

More Threes Offset Lower Efficiency

Neither team had an especially efficient night from beyond the arc. Charlotte went 12-for-39, or 30.8%, while Washington finished 9-for-28, or 32.1%. The Hornets’ three additional makes nevertheless delivered a meaningful scoring advantage. Charlotte also converted 14 of 17 free throws, compared with Washington’s 12 of 15.

Miller Supplies the Scoring Difference

Miller accounted for 35.5% of Charlotte’s points, giving the Hornets the night’s leading individual scorer. Davis delivered a strong scoring-and-rebounding performance for Washington, and Young led the game in assists, but the Wizards could not overcome Charlotte’s production in the middle quarters.

What the Result Means

Charlotte improved to 3-1 overall and 2-1 at home in the Eastern Conference regular-season race, while Washington fell to 2-2 overall and 1-1 on the road. Both teams return to action Wednesday, October 28: the Hornets host the Detroit Pistons, and the Wizards host the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT.

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