The Portland Trail Blazers secured a hard-fought 124-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The high-scoring game saw both teams put up impressive numbers, but the Trail Blazers’ clutch shooting and strong team defense made the difference.
Key Performances
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 37 points, including 12 in the final quarter. Jerami Grant added 28 points and 7 rebounds, while the Trail Blazers’ bench outscored the Hornets’ reserves 32-20.
Hornets’ Effort Not Enough
The Hornets were led by LaMelo Ball’s 32 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Trail Blazers’ balanced attack. Miles Bridges added 26 points and 8 rebounds, but the team’s defense struggled to contain the Trail Blazers’ shooters, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Game Summary
The game got off to a fast-paced start, with both teams trading baskets. The Hornets took an early 10-point lead, but the Trail Blazers quickly closed the gap. The Trail Blazers took a 10-point lead into halftime, but the Hornets refused to back down, clawing their way back into the game in the second half.
Implications and Statistics
The win moves the Trail Blazers into a tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder for 10th place in the Western Conference, while the Hornets remain 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Trail Blazers shot 49.5% from the field, including 42.1% from beyond the arc.
Post-Game Reaction
“The Trail Blazers’ win was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure,” said Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but our guys came out and executed down the stretch. Damian Lillard was phenomenal, and our bench provided a huge spark.”
“We gave it our all, but we just couldn’t get over the hump,” said Hornets coach Steve Clifford. “We had some crucial turnovers and missed shots down the stretch, and that’s the difference in the game.”
Upcoming Schedule
The Trail Blazers and Hornets will both look to bounce back from this result, with the Trail Blazers hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Monday and the Hornets visiting the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Box Score
- Portland Trail Blazers:
- Damian Lillard: 37 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
- Jerami Grant: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
- Anfernee Simons: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Charlotte Hornets:
- LaMelo Ball: 32 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds
- Miles Bridges: 26 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
- Terry Rozier: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Final Score: Portland Trail Blazers 124, Charlotte Hornets 118.
