CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Mar. 3, 2026) — The Charlotte Hornets continued their remarkable surge with a dominant performance Tuesday night at the Spectrum Center, thumping the Dallas Mavericks 117-90 to extend their winning streak to five games and push back to .500 on the season. Charlotte’s balanced attack and hot perimeter shooting overwhelmed Dallas as the Hornets improved to 31-31, one of the NBA’s most impressive runs since the start of 2026. (WRAL News)
Hornets Break Out Early
Charlotte raced out of the gate, leading 31-23 after the first quarter and never looked back. A combination of crisp ball movement, tight defense, and timely three-point shooting helped the Hornets build a lead that swelled into the third quarter and never shrank. By halftime, Charlotte held a 57-48 advantage, and from there turned the game into a rout. (WRAL News)
Final Score: Hornets 117, Mavericks 90 — Charlotte’s fifth consecutive victory as they continue one of the NBA’s best streaks since the new year. (WRAL News)
Standout Performances & Stats
- Brandon Miller: The Hornets’ rising star led the way with 17 points, pacing a deep Charlotte scoring effort. (WRAL News)
- LaMelo Ball: Posted 15 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals, orchestrating the offense and setting the tone on both ends. (WRAL News)
- Bench Firepower: Charlotte’s reserves were lethal from long range, with multiple players contributing from deep and helping the Hornets connect on 20 of 51 three-point attempts. (News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ)
- Mavericks Woes: Dallas struggled mightily from beyond the arc, finishing just 3 of 22 on three-point attempts, a key factor in the Hornets’ blowout. (News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ)
What the Win Means
The Hornets’ run since the start of 2026 has been nothing short of unbelievable — Charlotte has now won 15 of its last 18 games, combining veteran savvy with young talent in a way few teams in the league have matched. (News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ)
The victory over Dallas highlights how balanced and deep this Charlotte club has become. They’re not just winning — they’re dominating, with strong perimeter shooting, stingy defense, and playmaking from multiple contributors. (WRAL News)
Highlight Reel: Hornets vs. Mavericks (Mar. 3, 2026)
Below is a condensed highlight embed capturing key moments from Tuesday’s lopsided Hornets victory:
Watch Charlotte’s decisive surge in the second half as the Hornets pull away behind crisp offense and relentless defense.
Post-Game Quotes
Head Coach Charles Lee reflected on the progression of the team’s performance and what this stretch has meant:
“It’s all about growth, belief and getting better every night. The guys are playing with confidence and understanding each other’s strengths. When we move the ball like we did tonight, good things happen.”
LaMelo Ball, speaking on the team’s chemistry during this hot stretch:
“We’re trusting each other, we’re locked in and every night we’re finding ways to win. That’s a special feeling, and we want to keep it going.”
What’s Next
Charlotte now looks ahead to a tough road test in Boston, continuing a stretch that could define their 2026 season. If Tuesday’s performance is any indication, the Hornets are peaking at the right time — blending defense, shooting, and depth to stake their claim as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.
Final Word:
The Hornets’ 117-90 victory over the Mavericks wasn’t just another win — it was a showcase of Charlotte’s depth, balance and rising confidence. With hot shooting, dynamic playmaking, and a culture of shared success, this Hornets team is proving it can compete with anyone — a narrative few predicted at the start of 2026. (WRAL News)
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