The Charlotte Hornets turned in their worst offensive performance of the early 2026-27 NBA season Friday night, falling to the Washington Wizards in their first game of NBA Cup Group Play (95-79). It marks the second loss in three days for the Hornets, as they fell to the Detroit Pistons Wednesday.

Offensive inefficiency killed Charlotte, as the Hornets shot 30% from the field, 21% from 3-point range and 58% from the free throw line. Not only that, Charlotte's defense had trouble staying out of foul trouble, sending the Wizards to the line 35 times, whereas the Hornets attempted just 12 foul shots of their own.

Although he shot 7-for-24 from the field, Brandon Miller still led the team in points, finishing with 19, seven rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal. Naz Reid and Moussa Diabate both put up double-doubles, as the Hornets finished with only three players in double-figures. As for the Wizards, Anthony Davis tallied 25 points, 13 rebounds and one assist. Trae Young stuffed the stat sheet as well, finishing with 21 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals.

Looking ahead, Charlotte will have to perform on short rest Saturday, as they host the Philadelphia 76ers on the second night of a road back-to-back.