Hornets Top Grizzlies, Eclipse Last Season's Win Total

Charlotte Hornets defeat Memphis Grizzlies for their fourth straight win and 20th victory of the season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:47am

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The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 104-88 on Wednesday night, securing their fourth straight win and surpassing their total wins from last season. Brandon Miller scored 26 points, Miles Bridges added 20, and Moussa Diabate had 18 points and a career-high 20 rebounds to lead the Hornets. LaMelo Ball contributed 16 points, and rookie Kon Knueppel had 10 points and six assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 26 points, while rookie Cedric Coward finished with 17. The Hornets pulled away in the third quarter and never looked back, leading by as many as 22 points in the final minutes.

Why it matters

This win is a significant milestone for the Hornets, who have rebounded from a slow start to the season and are now surpassing their win total from the previous year. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have been struggling, having lost four straight and seven of their last nine games, with key players like Ja Morant and Santi Aldama sidelined due to injuries.

The details

The Hornets led by seven to start the third quarter, but the Grizzlies cut the deficit to 62-56 on a free throw by Jock Landale. However, the Hornets then pulled away, leading by as many as 17 points in the third quarter and 19 points in the fourth. Charlotte's balanced scoring attack, led by Brandon Miller's 26 points, proved too much for the shorthanded Grizzlies to overcome.

  • The Hornets won their fourth straight game on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • The Hornets surpassed their win total from last season with this victory.

The players

Brandon Miller

A key player for the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 26 points in the win over the Grizzlies.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

The leading scorer for the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with 26 points in the loss.

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' two-time NBA All-Star guard, who was sidelined with a left elbow sprain.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this momentum and keep pushing forward as a team.”

— Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Player (statenews.net)

“Losing key players to injury has been tough, but we'll keep fighting and find a way to turn things around.”

— Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Player (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Hornets will look to extend their winning streak when they face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, February 3rd. The Grizzlies will aim to end their skid when they host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, February 5th.

The takeaway

The Hornets' victory showcases their resilience and ability to bounce back from a slow start, while the Grizzlies' struggles highlight the impact of key injuries on a team's performance. Both teams will look to build on their respective trajectories as the season continues.