The Charlotte Hornets opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a 110-103 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Charlotte received strong performances from its new additions, including Grayson Allen and Naz Reid, to secure an important opening-night win at Barclays Center.
Allen scored 21 points off the bench, while Reid recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Dennis Schroder also made an immediate impact in his debut with Charlotte, finishing with 19 points and six assists as the Hornets held off a late Brooklyn push.
New Additions Make an Immediate Impact
Charlotte’s offseason moves were a major storyline entering the opener, and several newcomers delivered when the team needed them most.
Allen provided a scoring spark from the perimeter, knocking down five three pointers and helping Charlotte create separation during the second half. Reid offered versatility on both ends of the floor, contributing as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker while helping the Hornets generate second-chance opportunities.
Schroder also proved valuable, attacking the basket and keeping the offense moving. His eight consecutive points in the fourth quarter helped Charlotte establish a 102-92 lead with just over five minutes remaining.
Brandon Miller added 18 points, while Moussa Diabate finished with 17. Miller helped Charlotte establish early momentum, scoring 12 points in the first quarter as the Hornets took a 27-23 lead.
Nets Fight Back but Fall Short
Brooklyn showed flashes of offensive potential but struggled to consistently slow Charlotte down around the basket.
Julius Randle led the Nets with 33 points in his Brooklyn debut, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 26 points and seven rebounds. The duo kept the Nets competitive, but Brooklyn lacked enough scoring support from the rest of the roster.
The Nets briefly took a 64-62 lead in the third quarter after a four-point play from Porter. However, Charlotte responded with improved perimeter shooting and regained control before the fourth quarter.
The Hornets finished with 15 three-pointers and capitalized on their opportunities around the rim. Brooklyn made 12 three-pointers but struggled to match Charlotte’s production on the glass and its ability to create additional possessions.
Charlotte Starts the Season on a High Note
The victory gives Charlotte an encouraging start to the season, particularly after several offseason roster changes. Allen, Reid and Schroder all showed they could contribute immediately, while Miller continued to demonstrate his scoring ability.
For Brooklyn, Randle and Porter provided plenty of offense, but defensive struggles proved costly.
Charlotte will look to build on its opening night performance as the Hornets begin their new campaign with a win, while the Nets will try to address their defensive issues in their next matchup.