Suns beat Hornets 111-99 on March 8, 2026, as Booker’s free throws seal result

Phoenix protects home court as Charlotte’s road surge ends

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Charlotte Hornets 111-99 on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Phoenix, improving to 37-27 while handing Charlotte its second straight loss and dropping the Hornets to 32-33.

The game was tied at halftime, 62-62, before Phoenix took control with a 30-point fourth quarter. The Suns won the final period 30-22 and held Charlotte to 19 points in the third, creating separation after a first half that featured frequent momentum swings.

Key performances: Booker leads scoring; ball movement and foul-line efficiency matter

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 30 points and 10 assists. He shot 7-for-18 from the field and finished a perfect 15-for-15 at the free-throw line, producing a significant share of Phoenix’s 23 made free throws.

Collin Gillespie and Jalen Green each scored 24 for the Suns. Gillespie hit five 3-pointers (5-for-10) and Green added four (4-for-10). Phoenix shot 16-for-41 from three-point range (39%), helping offset a modest turnover total and keep consistent scoring pressure on Charlotte through the second half.

For Charlotte, LaMelo Ball scored 22 points and recorded six assists, while Brandon Miller added 11 points and three assists. Miles Bridges scored 16. Charlotte’s perimeter volume was high—15-for-45 from three (33%)—but the Hornets’ overall scoring pace slowed after halftime as Phoenix’s defense limited clean looks and the Suns’ offense continued to generate trips to the foul line.

Team comparison: Phoenix’s efficiency at the line, Charlotte’s missed chances

• Field goals: Phoenix 36-for-79 (46%); Charlotte 37-for-88 (42%).

• Three-pointers: Phoenix 16-for-41 (39%); Charlotte 15-for-45 (33%).

• Free throws: Phoenix 23-for-26 (88%); Charlotte 10-for-15 (67%).

• Turnovers: Phoenix 8; Charlotte 11.

The most decisive statistical gap came at the foul line. Phoenix attempted 11 more free throws than Charlotte and converted 13 more, a margin that aligned closely with the final 12-point difference.

What the result means in the standings race

The win strengthened Phoenix’s position in the Western Conference playoff race, while Charlotte’s loss kept the Hornets below .500 and tightened the margin in the Eastern Conference’s middle tier. With the regular season entering its closing stretch, the outcome reflected how late-game execution and possession-to-possession efficiency—particularly at the free-throw line—can determine separation between teams with comparable shot volume.

Final score by quarter: Hornets 30-28-19-22 (99); Suns 28-32-21-30 (111).