On March 14, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets made history by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 145-134, thanks to outstanding performances from LaMelo Ball and others. Playing at the Frost Bank Center, the Hornets set a franchise record by nailing 26 three-pointers, showcasing their offensive prowess. LaMelo Ball delivered an impressive line, registering 27 points and 15 assists, leading his team to victory against the Spurs.
The Hornets started strong, ending the first quarter with a 37-26 lead. They continued to pull away throughout the second quarter, with Nick Smith Jr. scoring 22 points, 22 of which came within the first half, demonstrating his effectiveness off the bench. Charlotte established their dominance by leading by as much as 29 points just before halftime, showcasing their ability to shoot from beyond the arc with great precision, as they finished the half shooting 66.7 percent on three-point attempts.
Despite the momentous win, the Hornets entered the game with one of the worst records (17-49) and had struggled significantly this season. They had dropped eight of their last ten games before facing Houston and were seeking to build momentum after recent victories over Miami and Brooklyn. This game marked their third win out of the last four played, indicating improvement for their squad.
For the Spurs, the loss can be attributed to the absence of key player De'Aaron Fox, who was ruled out for the season due to a torn ligament in his left pinkie finger just one day prior to the game. The Spurs, sitting at 27-38, faced additional challenges as they had also lost another key player, Victor Wembanyama, to injury earlier this year due to health complications related to a blood clot. Consequently, their depth was tested as they struggled to contain the Hornets' offensive onslaught.
Charlotte's shooting was highlighted by their remarkable success from three-point range, going 26 of 46 from beyond the arc. Alongside Ball and Smith’s contributions, Miles Bridges also scored 21 points, with Josh Green adding another 20 points and Mark Williams becoming a key contributor with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 26 points, showing promise, especially during Fox's absence. Devin Vassell also stepped up, scoring 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hornets' explosive performance. San Antonio struggled with consistency, coming off their fourth loss in five games, which creates uncertainty as they push to remain competitive for the playoffs.
The game celebrated significant contributions from several players on both sides, but the night belonged to the Charlotte Hornets, who embraced team work and shooting accuracy like never before. This victory served not only as redemption but also as proof of their potential to rise from the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Overall, the Hornets have rekindled hope as they continue to battle through injuries and setbacks this season. With their recent success, fans are eager to see if Charlotte can build off this momentum as they prepare for future matchups.
The game was watched with great anticipation, and the excitement culminated as the final buzzer sounded, sealing the Hornets' victory. The fans cheered their heroes on, with optimism blooming for upcoming games and financial health as the organization aims to secure top draft picks for their future.
With the Hornets' recent performances showing signs of life and progress, basketball enthusiasts remain hopeful about the rest of the season. On the other hand, the Spurs will need to regroup quickly as they seek to navigate the remaining games without their star players.