The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards, 97-87, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.

The Hornets (9-7) came into the contest looking to continue an upswing in what has been a rollercoaster season thus far, as they had an opportunity to notch their fourth straight win following a multi-game skid. However, it was red-hot Wizards (10-4), which got Bradley Beal back into the fold after a two-game absence, that jumped out to a 29-24 lead through the first 12 minutes. Washington added another point to its advantage before halftime and appeared to be on its way to another impressive win, but Charlotte bounced back to win the third quarter by a dominating 30-14 margin and change the tide of the game for good. The visitors would get as close as within six points with just under five minutes remaining before the hosts pulled away for good.

Beal led the Wizards with 24 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Daniel Gafford followed with 20 points, nine boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell supplied 15 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Demi Avdija managed nine points, 11 boards and one block.

Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 19 points, complementing them with eight boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Miles Bridges generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Kelly Oubre registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Mason Plumlee and LaMelo Ball had matching 11-point tallies, with Plumlee also pulling down 13 boards and Ball handing out 14 assists. Jalen McDaniels matched his teammates' scoring totals and also posted six rebounds and one assist.

The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.