Charlotte sets new high with 55-point win over Jazz

The Charlotte Hornets had no mercy on Saturday night, storming past the Utah Jazz 150-95 at the Delta Center. 55 point difference in victory was not only the most wins by any team this season, but also the most road wins in Charlotte history and the second most overall, behind only a 140-79 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018.

The Hornets led 45-14 after the first quarter and extended that lead to 77-30 by halftime. Charlotte built a 47-point cushion in the first half with some hot shooting and stifling defense, holding Utah scoreless for more than five minutes during a 17-0 run. Miles Bridges capped a first-half surge with a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 77-30 with 1:41 left in the second quarter.

The Hornets shot efficiently throughout, finishing 52 percent from the field and hitting 24 of 59 three-point attempts (41 percent). The Jazz, on the other hand, were unable to find their range from beyond the arc, making just 7 of 31 three-pointers (23%) and making just one of 12 attempts in the first half. Charlotte also increased its strength on the boards, outscoring Utah 65-31, including 21 offensive boards, turning missed shots into scoring opportunities. The second-chance point was one-sided, with the Hornets scoring 41 points to the Jazz’s eight.

Nine Charlotte players reached double figures, tying the franchise record previously set in the opener. Tre Mann led all bench scorers with 20 points in just 12 minutes, including four three-pointers, while Brandon Miller had 18 points and LaMelo Ball had 17, five three-pointers and five assists. Bridges and Collin Sexton each scored 15, Josh Green added 13, Conn Knuepel 12, Ryan Kalkbrenner 12, and Moussa Diabate had 10 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season.

The Hornets also got valuable production from returning players. Returned from a 10-game absence with a sprained left elbow, scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Grant Williams made his first appearance since November 2024, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers during Charlotte’s 23-2 run. The roster was as healthy as it has been all season, with starters and reserves playing aggressive, cohesive basketball.

For Utah, the night was a struggle. Brice Sensabaugh led the Jazz with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, while Isaiah Collier added 17 points and nine assists off the bench. The Jazz were without leading scorer Lauri Markkanen, starting center Jusuf Nurkic and rookie Ace Bailey, and their defense and offensive organization faltered under Charlotte’s pressure. Utah shot 40.9 percent from the field and 22.6 percent from three, had 21 turnovers and was outplayed on the boards.

The Hornets, now 14-25 on the season, bounced back from back-to-back losses to the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers and will hope to extend their winning streak when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.