The Wizards rode a swarming and stingy defense to overcome a slow offensive start and beat the Charlotte Hornets, 95-79 in their opening NBA Cup contest of 2026.
Washington asserted themselves midway through the second quarter, closing the half on a 16-8 run to take a 51-46 halftime lead. The run continued when play resumed in the second half with the Wizards blasting the Hornets 28-13 in the third period.
The fourth quarter was a lead-retention grind — the Wizards cause abetted by a Charlotte team
that struggled to make any shot, even when Washington was conceding open looks.
The Wizards defense deserves lots of credit for Charlotte’s horrific night. Rotations were crisp, communication was superb, and they gave the Hornets little space to operate. Charlotte deserves some credit too — they missed everything from everywhere. On the night, the Hornets shot 35.3% on twos, 21.4% on threes, and 58.3% from the free throw line. Those clanking, thudding, and smashing sounds you heard all night was Charlotte taking shots.
Washington’s offense wasn’t much better, though it was good enough. The Wizards made just 41.9% on twos, but kinda-sorta compensated for the bricklaying inside the arc by hitting 10-30 from three (33.3%), and 29-35 from the free throw line.
Trae Young is a valuable offensive engine. He entered the night fifth in the NBA in drawing fouls, and he tortured Charlotte throughout the evening with his abrupt changes of pace and unorthodox, seemingly out-of-rhythm offensive style.
The victory moves Washington to a 3-3 record on the season, a 1-0 record in Cup play this season, and a 2-11 all-time Cup record.
Notebook and stats are on the way.
