Jordan Poole delivered 27 points, while Malcolm Brogdon added 25 in his return from injury as the Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets 123-114 on Thursday night. The Wizards snapped a three-game losing streak, improving their record to 4-21 in a challenging season.
Rookie Alex Sarr contributed 19 points and nine rebounds, helping Washington maintain control throughout the fourth quarter. Brogdon, returning from a hamstring strain that sidelined him for two weeks, played a pivotal role late in the game.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 34 points and 13 assists but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 3-of-18. The Hornets (7-20) dropped their third consecutive game and have now lost 11 of their last 12 contests. Miles Bridges and Mark Williams added 16 points and eight rebounds apiece for Charlotte, which played without second-year standout Brandon Miller due to a left ankle sprain.
The Wizards showcased efficiency from deep, shooting 40.5% from three-point range, with Poole and Brogdon combining for eight triples. Washington also outperformed Charlotte in free throw shooting, converting 24-of-31 attempts compared to the Hornets’ 20-of-27.
The Hornets’ bench provided limited scoring, with Cody Martin’s 14 points leading their reserves. Mark Williams and Miles Bridges combined for 32 points but couldn’t offset Ball’s shooting struggles.
The Wizards’ defensive adjustments played a key role in limiting Ball’s effectiveness from long range. Ball’s 16.7% mark from three-point territory represented his second-worst performance this season, dropping his overall shooting percentage from deep to 34.6%.
The win marks just Washington’s second in its last 21 games, offering a rare bright spot in a rebuilding year following a franchise-worst 15-67 record last season. Despite the victory, the Wizards remain at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.