Portland Trail BlazersOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Charlotte defeated Portland 109–93 on February 28 at Spectrum Center, with B. Miller leading the Hornets' offense on 26 points while C. White added 20 in a decisive fourth-quarter performance. The hosts dominated the final frame 35–26, breaking open a close contest and holding Portland well below the Vegas total of 228.5 combined points. Charlotte shot 41.8 percent from the field and made 16 three-pointers, translating to a 111.2 offensive rating despite 16 turnovers; defensively, the Hornets suffocated Portland's attack with a 93.6 defensive rating and 11 steals. J. Holiday paced the Trail Blazers with 25 points and J. Grant contributed 21, but Portland managed only 40.7 percent shooting and 11 three-pointers on 39 rebounds—a 16-rebound deficit that proved costly. Charlotte's 24 assists and superior ball security in the fourth quarter sealed the outcome. The Hornets' fourth-quarter surge suggests improved closing execution heading into the stretch run.
