The Philadelphia 76ers came away with a 118-114 road win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Spectrum Center, overcoming an 11-point first-quarter deficit and finishing strong in the fourth. Brandon Miller led all scorers with 29 points for Charlotte, but Philadelphia closed the game with more efficient shooting and timely execution.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Charlotte took control early with a 36-25 opening quarter, using pace and volume from the perimeter to build separation. The Hornets generated extra possessions with their work on the glass and got off to the sharper start offensively, while Philadelphia spent much of the period trying to settle into the game.
Second Quarter
The 76ers answered with their best stretch before halftime, outscoring Charlotte 39-33 in the second quarter. That response cut into the deficit quickly and reset the game by intermission. Philadelphia’s shot-making improved in a major way during the period, especially from 3-point range, and the visitors were able to erase most of Charlotte’s early advantage.
Third Quarter
The teams played even basketball in the third, each scoring 28 points. Charlotte kept getting production from Brandon Miller, while Philadelphia maintained its offensive efficiency and avoided letting the game swing back too far in the Hornets’ favor. With neither team creating much separation, the contest moved to the fourth with the outcome still in reach for both sides.
Fourth Quarter
Philadelphia took control in the final period, outscoring Charlotte 26-17. The 76ers tightened up defensively, limited clean looks, and made enough plays in the half court to complete the comeback. Charlotte’s offense, which had been productive for much of the night, slowed at the wrong time, and the Hornets could not match Philadelphia’s late-game execution.
Key Performers
Charlotte Hornets:
Brandon Miller was the game’s top scorer with 29 points and added eight rebounds. LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with eight assists, helping organize the offense for long stretches. Kon Knueppel made an impact on the boards with a team-high 11 rebounds.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Philadelphia’s team-wide efficiency stood out more than any single stat line available from the box score feed. The 76ers shot 48.8% from the field, hit 16 of 34 from 3-point range for 47.1%, and added 22 free throws. They also recorded 19 assists and did enough offensively in each of the final three quarters to stay within range before pulling ahead late.
NerdSports Stat: Philadelphia won despite being outrebounded 52-41 and trailing by 11 after the first quarter, thanks in large part to a 16-of-34 night from three compared with Charlotte’s 17-of-55 from deep.
Game Analysis
This game came down to efficiency. Charlotte attempted 14 more field goals and won the rebounding battle by 11, which usually creates a strong path to victory. But Philadelphia made far better use of its possessions. The 76ers shot 48.8% overall compared with Charlotte’s 37.5%, and that gap was especially meaningful late in the game when every possession carried more weight.
The contrast from beyond the arc was also important. While Charlotte made one more 3-pointer, it took 21 additional attempts to get there. Philadelphia’s 47.1% mark from deep gave it a cleaner offensive profile, particularly after the first quarter. The 76ers also stayed close at the foul line, converting 22 free throws to Charlotte’s 25, which helped keep the pressure on throughout the comeback.
For the Hornets, the fourth quarter will be the frustrating part of the review. After scoring 97 points through three quarters, they managed just 17 in the final period. That slowdown opened the door for a Philadelphia team that had gradually found better rhythm since the second quarter. Charlotte did enough to lead for much of the night, but the 76ers were steadier when the game tightened up.
Closing Context
The win moves Philadelphia to 41-33, an important result as the Eastern Conference playoff race continues to tighten late in the regular season. Charlotte dropped to 39-35, missing a chance to add another home win and strengthen its own postseason position. With only a handful of games left, results like this one could carry real weight in the final standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-114 on March 28, 2026.
Brandon Miller scored 29 points on 37.5% team shooting.
After the win, Philadelphia sits 41-33 in the Eastern Conference.
Brandon Miller was the standout performer with 29 points and 8 rebounds.
