Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson, top, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
October 26, 2025 - 6:00 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — LaMelo Ball had 38 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists for his 11th career triple-double, and the Charlotte Hornets erased a double-digit halftime deficit Sunday night to defeat the Washington Wizards 139-113.
Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 pick in June’s draft, collected 11 of his 20 points during Charlotte’s third-quarter push and Miles Bridges scored 22 points as the Hornets snapped a five-game skid against Washington. Collin Sexton added 20 for Charlotte.
The Hornets shot 67.4% in the second half, including 12 of 16 from 3-point range.
CJ McCollum scored 24 points and Alex Sarr had 17 of his 21 points in the first half for the Wizards, who received a smattering of boos at the end of their home opener.
Washington took a 62-51 halftime lead when Sarr hit a 22-footer at the buzzer to establish the first double-digit lead for either team. The Wizards briefly pushed their advantage, but Charlotte quickly got the margin back to single digits before gradually wearing down Washington’s defense.
Ball’s 3-pointer to make it 85-82 gave Charlotte the lead for good, and rookie Sion James hit consecutive 3s to make it 93-86 and cap a 19-4 run. James scored all 13 of his points in the second half.
Ball assisted on Bridges’ 3-pointer with 7:52 remaining to make it 110-100 and complete his first triple-double since Nov. 5, 2023.
Charlotte outscored the Wizards 44-25 in the fourth quarter.
Washington’s Tre Johnson, the No. 6 overall pick in June’s draft, had 18 points in his home debut.
Kyshawn George, coming off a career-high 34 points in Friday’s 117-107 victory at Dallas, had six points for the Wizards.
Charlotte guard Brandon Miller sat out after leaving Saturday’s loss at Philadelphia with a shoulder injury.
Up next
Hornets: Visit Miami on Tuesday
Wizards: Host Philadelphia on Tuesday
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