Hornets Surge Past Celtics in High-Scoring Affair

Charlotte's bench production and Boston's turnover woes lead to a 224-220 thriller

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a high-octane matchup between two of the Eastern Conference's top offenses, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Boston Celtics 224-220 in a thrilling contest at TD Garden. Despite playing the second night of a back-to-back, the Hornets' depth and efficient shooting proved too much for the Celtics, who struggled to protect the ball down the stretch.

Why it matters

This game showcased the offensive firepower of both teams, with the Hornets and Celtics combining for the highest-scoring game of the NBA season so far. The result shakes up the Eastern Conference standings and highlights the importance of bench production and ball security in close games.

The details

Charlotte's reserves stepped up in a big way, with Grant Williams, Josh Green, and Sion James combining for 10 three-pointers off the bench to make up for the absence of Coby White. Meanwhile, the Celtics' 11.0% turnover rate gave the Hornets extra possessions, which they capitalized on with their 58.0% true shooting percentage. Boston's Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 29 points, but the Hornets' balanced attack, led by Brandon Miller's 20.9 points per game, proved too much to handle.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:30 ET.
  • The Hornets were playing the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

The players

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' leading scorer, averaging 20.9 points per game on 42.9% shooting.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star player, averaging 29.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game on 48.2% shooting.

Grant Williams

A Hornets reserve who hit 4 three-pointers off the bench to help make up for the absence of Coby White.

Payton Pritchard

A Celtics guard who scored 25 points in the team's previous game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Coby White

A Hornets guard who was sitting out this game to stay fresh, averaging 18.0 points and 4.6 assists per game this season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.