On December 26, 2024, the Washington Wizards edged out the Charlotte Hornets 113-110 at Capital One Arena, overcoming adversity and showcasing resilience as they fought for victory against another struggling team.
Jordan Poole emerged as the hero of the night, sinking a clutch three-pointer with just 8.1 seconds remaining to secure the win. This victory marked Washington's second consecutive triumph over Charlotte, bringing their season record to 5-23.
The game was action-packed right from the start. The Wizards built up a significant lead, going up by as many as 21 points during the second quarter. But the Hornets, persistent as ever, staged a late comeback to take control leading toward the final minutes.
Despite the Wizards' earlier dominance, Charlotte took the lead late after Mark Williams converted an alley-oop from LaMelo Ball, bringing the score to 110-109 with only 12.3 seconds left. It looked like the Hornets might snatch victory after Josh Green, who was at the free-throw line with 38.3 seconds remaining, missed two key shots.
Washington's young rookie Alex Sarr proved instrumental, tipping the ball in to give his team the 109-108 advantage shortly before Williams’s dunk. The Wizards capitalized on Charlotte's turnovers, scoring 24 points off 20 turnovers from the Hornets.
Poole's final shot was his fifth three-pointer of the game, scoring 25 points overall. Fellow Wizards player Bilal Coulibaly contributed significantly as well, adding 20 points to the tally. Charlotte's LaMelo Ball led all scorers with 31 points, showcasing his talent and leadership throughout the game.
Despite the loss, the Hornets showed heart and zeal, especially after falling behind 68-47 earlier on. The defeat, their 14th out of the past 15 games, only emphasizes the need for Charlotte to regroup and stabilize as they head off to their next matchup.
The Hornets had nearly turned the game around, especially with key returns. Brandon Miller resumed play after injury, and the team was buoyed by moments of high energy and competitive spirit.
Looking back at their previous encounter, Washington had beaten the Hornets 123-114 just last week, this win solidified their competitive edge against Charlotte, as they win 6 out of their last 10 matchups.
The Wizards are set to face the New York Knicks next, hosting them at home on Saturday, seeking to build on the positive momentum generated by this victory. Meanwhile, the Hornets will be turning their focus toward recovering against the visiting Oklahoma City team.
For both teams, the pressure is mounting, with each match holding significant ramifications for their respective standings. With injuries unsettled for the Wizards and the pressure on Charlotte to perform, the stakes could not be higher as they continue their journeys through this challenging NBA season.
