Charlotte Secures Third Consecutive Win
The Charlotte Hornets decisively defeated the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 124-101 on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This marks the Hornets' third straight victory and fifth in their last six games. The team has achieved a 21-6 record since January, indicating a sustained period of performance.
The Grizzlies, conversely, are mired in a slump, having lost two games in a row and a concerning 10 of their last 11 contests. This stark contrast in recent form was evident throughout the game.
Ball Leads the Charge, Miller and Diabate Contribute
LaMelo Ball was a pivotal offensive force for the Hornets, scoring 29 points and demonstrating accuracy from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 14 three-point attempts. His performance was instrumental in lifting Charlotte to the win.
Supporting Ball's efforts, Brandon Miller contributed 22 points, while Moussa Diabate achieved a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. The Hornets established an early lead, going up 9-8 just under three minutes into the game and maintaining a 59-47 advantage at halftime.
Read More: Everton beats Chelsea 3-0 at home, ending Chelsea's European hopes
Grizzlies' Struggles Continue Amidst Player Efforts
For the struggling Grizzlies, GG Jackson put up 19 points, and Javon Small added 17 points and seven rebounds. Despite these individual efforts, the team could not overcome the Hornets' consistent offensive pressure and overall team play. The Grizzlies found themselves on the wrong side of a 14-2 run by the Hornets at one point, a testament to Charlotte's ability to seize momentum.
Contextualizing the Matchup
The game, held in Charlotte, saw the Grizzlies facing what was described as one of the league's "hottest teams." This narrative aligns with the distinct trajectories of the two franchises in the latter part of the season. While the Hornets appear to be building significant momentum, the Grizzlies continue to grapple with finding a winning formula.
Read More: NCAA Tournament clock error cancels Clemson's winning shot, leads to overtime loss
Referee Oversight
The officiating crew for the game included Courtney Kirkland, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, and Robert Hussey.