LaMelo Ball delivered a masterful triple-double performance, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a decisive 139-113 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night. The Hornets overcame an 11-point halftime deficit with a dominant second-half display, showcasing Ball’s all-around skills and the team’s offensive firepower.
The game, held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on October 26, 2025, saw the Hornets improve their record to 2-1, while the Wizards fell to 1-2. Ball finished with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, marking his 11th career triple-double and first since November 2023. His leadership was pivotal in turning the game around after a sluggish start, and the victory snapped a five-game losing streak against Washington.
At halftime, the Wizards led 62-51, with Alex Sarr hitting a buzzer-beating 22-footer to establish their largest lead. However, the Hornets responded emphatically in the third quarter, outscoring Washington 44-26. Ball’s three-pointer at 85-82 gave Charlotte the lead for good, and rookie Sion James hit consecutive threes to cap a 19-4 run, extending the advantage to 93-86.
Ball’s triple-double was sealed when he assisted on a Miles Bridges three-pointer with 7:52 remaining in the game, making it 110-100. The Hornets continued to pour it on, shooting 67.4% from the field in the second half and making 12 of 16 three-point attempts. This offensive explosion overwhelmed the Wizards’ defense, which struggled to contain Charlotte’s ball movement and shooting.
Supporting Ball, rookie Kon Knueppel scored 20 points, with 11 coming in the third quarter, while Bridges added 22 points and Collin Sexton contributed 20. The Hornets demonstrated depth despite missing Brandon Miller, who was out with a shoulder injury. Miller’s absence did not hinder the team’s performance, as others stepped up to fill the void.
For the Wizards, CJ McCollum led with 24 points, and Sarr had 21 points, but the team struggled after the break. Rookie Tre Johnson scored 18 points in his home debut, but Kyshawn George, coming off a career-high 34 points in the previous game, was limited to six points. The Wizards’ fans voiced their frustration with boos at the final buzzer, reflecting the team’s defensive collapse.
The Hornets’ resilience and ability to execute under pressure highlight their potential as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. Ball’s return to triple-double form signals his importance to the team’s success this season, and the win provides momentum as they navigate the early schedule. The team’s balanced scoring and defensive adjustments in the second half were key factors in the comeback.
Looking ahead, the Hornets visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday, while the Wizards host the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams will aim to build on this experience, with Charlotte seeking to maintain its offensive efficiency and Washington looking to address its second-half vulnerabilities in the grueling NBA season.