Charlotte Hornets Buzz Past Portland Trail Blazers 109-93
The Charlotte Hornets hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in a Saturday matinee. The Hornets defeated the Trail Blazers 109-93 at the Spectrum Center. Charlotte improved to 30-31 and a four-game winning streak, while Portland fell to 29-32 and a one-game losing skid.
Charlotte hosted HBCU Day to celebrate the culture and history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), along with Divine Nine Fraternities and Sororities.
Charlotte’s HBCU alums are Anthony Mason (Tennessee State University from 1984-88), Bobby Phills (Southern University from 1987-91, Travis Williams (South Carolina State University from 1988-91), and Ronald “Flip” Murray (Shaw University from 2000-02).
In Case You Missed It
The Charlotte Hornets routed the Indiana Pacers 133-109 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 33 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 20 points, three rebounds, and seven assists.
With 207 three-pointers, Kon Knueppel set the new NBA record for the most threes made by a rookie. Knueppel, 20, surpassed Keegan Murray (2022-23) for the top spot. Knueppel’s initial goal was six threes, but he went above and beyond with a career-high-tying eight threes.
Obi Toppin returned to the floor after missing the last 56 regular-season games due to a stress fracture in his right foot. Toppin, 27, said of his return to action, “To be on the floor today felt amazing.”
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Chicago Bulls 121-112 at the United Center on Thursday. Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Robert Williams III recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, along with three blocks, two steals, and one assist.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starters
The Charlotte Hornets’ starting lineup featured LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. Charlotte had no injuries in its injury report.
The Portland Trail Blazers’ starting lineup featured Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara, Kris Murray, Donovan Clingan, and Jrue Holiday. Portland ruled out Damian Lillard (Achilles), Shaedon Sharpe (calf), and Deni Avdija (back).
Hornets vs. Trail Blazers Recap
The Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers aren’t rivals, but faced each other in 69 regular-season games entering Saturday’s game. Of those games, Portland won 50, and Charlotte won 19. These two teams never met in the NBA Playoffs before.
Kon Knueppel built off of his record-breaking night, where he made his 207th career three-pointer to surpass Keegan Murray’s rookie record, with a three-pointer in the first quarter. Portland’s overall shooting was sluggish, but Jerami Grant spun into the paint for the layup. Moussa Diabate beat the buzzer before Charlotte took a 29-17 lead to end the first.
Charlotte’s surplus of second-chance points highlighted most of the second quarter. Brandon Miller sank a corner three-pointer. Portland’s late run attracted some attention to themselves. Donovan Clingan knocked down a three-pointer from beyond the arc. Charlotte took a 51-43 lead into halftime.
Brandon Miller is the third player in Hornets history to record 5+ three-pointers in 4+ straight games, per Stathead. Miller, 23, trails just LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier. Ball, 24, holds the record with five straight games from Feb. 13-27, 2023.
Both teams suffered a slow start to the third quarter, but Portland used a late run to cut the lead to a single digit. Donovan Clingan picked up a technical foul, which quickly occurred and likely should’ve been called after Charlotte’s possession. Scoot Henderson converted the tough finish. Charlotte took a 74-67 lead through three quarters.
Charlotte’s sellout crowd of 19,634 was its third straight sellout game and 14th sellout home game of the season. Fox Sports analyst and former NFL tight end Greg Olsen, who played for the Carolina Panthers from 2011-19, was in attendance.
Charlotte nailed a three-pointer to open the fourth quarter before getting hot from the corner. Coby White found Kon Knueppel for back-to-back steals and layups for Charlotte’s new largest lead of the game. Portland’s excessive fouling overpowered Blake Wesley’s speed to the rim. Charlotte won 109-93 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Charlotte Hornets conclude the two-game homestand against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Charlotte’s strong offense, intense defense, and frequent utilization of key players can contribute to a home win over Dallas.
The Portland Trail Blazers continue the four-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. Portland’s strong offensive rhythm, massive advantage in the paint, and extraordinary key players can contribute to a road win over Atlanta.
