Trail Blazers and Hornets split 2026 season series as late rally decides Portland rematch

A two-game snapshot of a matchup shaped by tempo swings and fourth-quarter execution

The Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets met twice in a 12-day span during the 2025–26 regular season, producing two different game scripts and a split season series. Charlotte won both meetings on its home floor and in Portland, using second-half control in the first game and a late rally in the rematch to leave with the tiebreaker in the head-to-head set.

Feb. 28, 2026: Hornets controlled the game in Charlotte, 109–93

On Feb. 28 at Spectrum Center, Charlotte built a double-digit cushion without needing a high-possession track meet. The Hornets’ largest lead reached 17 points, and Portland never tied the game after the opening minutes. The flow was defined by Charlotte’s ability to limit transition chances and play from in front, while Portland’s perimeter volume outpaced its conversion.

• Final score: Hornets 109, Trail Blazers 93
• Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte
• Game context: Charlotte led most of the afternoon and finished with a comfortable margin

Charlotte established a lead early and maintained separation, keeping Portland out of a sustained comeback run.

March 10, 2026: Charlotte erased a 19-point deficit to win in Portland, 103–101

The rematch on March 10 at Moda Center was tighter and more volatile. Portland carried a significant advantage in the first half and pushed the margin to 19 points, but Charlotte narrowed the game with a stronger finish. The Hornets held Portland to 19 points in the fourth quarter and closed out a two-point win, 103–101.

Individually, Brandon Miller scored 21 points with eight rebounds. LaMelo Ball scored 14 points, with 12 coming in the fourth quarter, a stretch that coincided with Charlotte’s decisive push. Kon Knueppel added 15 points and five rebounds, and reserve Ryan Kalkbrenner contributed 13 points and six rebounds.

For Portland, Jerami Grant led with 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Deni Avdija scored 22 points, and Scoot Henderson added 14 off the bench. Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan finished with 11 points apiece.

• Final score: Hornets 103, Trail Blazers 101
• Key turning point: Portland’s fourth-quarter output dropped to 19 points
• Closeout factor: Charlotte’s late-game scoring, including Ball’s fourth-quarter burst

What the two games indicate

Taken together, the series underscored how quickly outcomes can shift when the trailing team forces a lower-scoring finish and limits clean possessions late. Charlotte’s Feb. 28 win reflected control from the opening half, while the March 10 result hinged on a rally and a defensive fourth quarter. For Portland, the matchup showed the difference between building early leads and converting them into closing possessions under pressure.