Trail Blazers’ cold three-point shooting and rebounding issues fuel 109–93 loss to Hornets

Charlotte pulls away late as Portland’s perimeter offense stalls

The Portland Trail Blazers fell 109–93 to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Spectrum Center in a matinee matchup that began with both teams holding identical 29–31 records. The result pushed Portland to 29–32 and lifted Charlotte to 30–31.

Portland’s main throughline was inefficiency from three-point range and an inability to control the glass. The Blazers finished 11-of-47 from deep (23.4%) and were out-rebounded 66–53, including a 20–11 deficit on the offensive boards. Both teams committed 16 turnovers, but Charlotte generated more second-chance opportunities and converted more consistently from long range (16-of-42, 38.1%).

Game flow: early hole, brief third-quarter push, decisive Hornets fourth

Portland’s perimeter struggles were immediate. The Blazers missed all 10 three-point attempts in the opening quarter and trailed 29–17 after one. They steadied offensively in the second quarter but still went to halftime down 51–43.

Portland narrowed the margin during the third, closing within seven at 74–67 entering the fourth. Charlotte then created separation in the final period, outscoring the Blazers 35–26 to close the game. Portland’s offense cooled again late, and the Hornets’ combination of made threes and extra possessions off rebounds proved decisive.

Key performers and the numbers that shaped the outcome

• Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 26 points and eight rebounds, hitting six three-pointers.
• Coby White provided 20 points off the bench for the Hornets.
• LaMelo Ball finished with 15 points and eight assists.
• Moussa Diabate recorded 13 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, reflecting Charlotte’s edge in physicality and second chances.
• Jrue Holiday paced Portland with 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting.
• Jerami Grant added 21 points for the Blazers.

Roster context: Portland short-handed on the wing

Portland played without Deni Avdija for a third straight game due to a back injury. The Blazers were also without Shaedon Sharpe and Damian Lillard, placing added creation and shot-making responsibility on Holiday, Grant and the remaining rotation. While Portland generated 22 assists and kept turnovers even, the team’s perimeter efficiency and rebounding margin were not enough to offset Charlotte’s volume of extra chances.

Next: Portland continues its road trip at Atlanta on Sunday; Charlotte hosts Dallas on Tuesday.