Charlotte Hornets defeats Dallas Mavericks 117-90
Charlotte Hornets Sting Dallas Mavericks in Dominant 117-90 Victory
The Charlotte Hornets delivered a resounding performance against the Dallas Mavericks, securing a convincing 117-90 victory at home on March 3, 2026. A balanced attack and stifling defense propelled the Hornets to their 35th win of the 2025 regular season. The Mavericks struggled to find any offensive rhythm, falling behind early and never truly threatening a comeback.
Game Flow
The Hornets came out firing in the first quarter, establishing an early lead with aggressive drives and tight perimeter defense. Q1: 31-23. Dallas attempted to respond in the second quarter, but Charlotte maintained control, matching the Mavericks basket for basket and extending their advantage slightly. Q2: 26-25. The third quarter saw the Hornets truly pull away. A 15-4 run midway through the period, fueled by forced turnovers and quick transition buckets, blew the game open. Dallas looked visibly frustrated. Q3: 35-24. The fourth quarter was largely academic. With a comfortable lead, the Hornets focused on ball movement and limiting mistakes, while the Mavericks’ offense continued to sputter. Q4: 25-18. Throughout the game, the Hornets consistently outhustled the Mavericks, controlling the boards and dictating the pace. A key turning point was the Hornets' ability to limit Luka Doncic's impact in the second half, forcing him into difficult shots and double-teaming effectively. The Mavericks’ inability to adjust to the Hornets' defensive pressure ultimately sealed their fate.
Highlight Players
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with a stellar performance, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Ball was masterful at controlling the tempo of the game, finding open teammates and attacking the basket with confidence. His all-around excellence was a major catalyst for the Hornets’ success.
Miles Bridges provided a significant scoring punch off the bench, contributing 22 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting. Bridges was particularly effective cutting to the basket and finishing strong, adding much-needed energy to the Hornets’ attack. He also grabbed 7 rebounds.
Gordon Hayward continued to be a reliable presence for the Hornets, adding 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Hayward’s veteran leadership and consistent scoring were crucial in maintaining the Hornets' lead throughout the game. He shot 7-of-12 from the field.
Team Stats Breakdown
The Charlotte Hornets showcased a dominant performance on both ends of the court. They finished the game with an impressive FG% of 55.8%, showcasing efficient shot-making across the board. The Hornets dominated the glass, securing 48 rebounds compared to the Mavericks’ 32. Their ball movement was also exceptional, resulting in 31 assists, significantly higher than Dallas’s 20. Turnovers were kept to a minimum, with Charlotte committing only 12 compared to Dallas’s 18. Points in the paint favored the Hornets significantly, 66 to 40, demonstrating their ability to attack the basket effectively. The Hornets also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 18 points off offensive rebounds. Dallas struggled with their three-point shooting, connecting on only 28.1% of their attempts, while Charlotte shot a respectable 38.5% from beyond the arc. The Hornets also had a strong defensive presence, recording 8 steals and 5 blocks. Fast break points were also heavily favored towards Charlotte, 22-10.
Next Game Preview
The Charlotte Hornets will look to continue their winning ways as they head on the road to face the Boston Celtics on March 4, 2026. This will be a tough test against a fellow Eastern Conference contender. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST at TD Garden. The Hornets will need to maintain their defensive intensity and continue to share the ball effectively to have a chance against the Celtics’ potent offense. A strong performance from LaMelo Ball and continued contributions from the bench will be key to securing a victory in Boston.