Hornets rally past Trail Blazers 103-101 as Charlotte shooting overturns Portland’s early lead and size advantage

Charlotte erases 19-point deficit in Portland to complete season sweep

The Charlotte Hornets extended their recent momentum Tuesday night with a 103-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center, overcoming a 19-point deficit and closing on a 25-19 fourth quarter. The result moved Charlotte back to .500 at 33-33 and completed a 2-0 season series sweep over Portland.

Charlotte trailed by as many as 19 after a fast Portland start. The Trail Blazers led 34-20 after the first quarter and carried a 55-46 advantage into halftime. Charlotte’s response arrived after the break, outscoring Portland 32-27 in the third and tightening the game for a late finish decided in the final minutes.

Late execution and perimeter efficiency tilt a one-possession game

Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 21 points and eight rebounds, while LaMelo Ball scored 14 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter during the comeback. Rookie Kon Knueppel added 15 points and five rebounds, and Ryan Kalkbrenner contributed 13 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Portland received 24 points from Jerami Grant on 7-of-10 shooting and 22 points from Deni Avdija. Scoot Henderson added 14 points off the bench, and Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan each finished with 11 points.

The closing stretch hinged on shot-making and possession control. Charlotte’s fourth-quarter scoring was paired with a defensive finish that held Portland to 19 points in the period. Portland’s late-game miscues, following a cold stretch after halftime, proved costly in a game that remained within one possession down the final sequence.

Portland’s center pairing impacts the paint, but rebounding favors Charlotte

While the Trail Blazers’ size influenced the interior, Charlotte’s work on the glass stood out. The Hornets finished with a 52-42 rebounding edge, with Moussa Diabate and Miller collecting nine rebounds apiece. Portland’s Clingan had 11 rebounds and Robert Williams III grabbed 10, and the two combined for seven blocked shots, helping keep Portland within striking distance as Charlotte surged late.

• Charlotte’s comeback was built on a strong second half, including a decisive fourth quarter.
• Ball’s late scoring provided the finishing push in a one-possession win.
• Charlotte’s rebounding advantage helped offset Portland’s rim protection.

Final score: Hornets 103, Trail Blazers 101. Charlotte won the season series 2-0.

What’s next

Charlotte continues its road trip Thursday with a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland remains home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday.