Phoenix Suns 101, Charlotte Hornets 96 — The Phoenix Suns protected their home floor with a hard-fought 101-96 NBA victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, November 13, 2026, closing the game with a decisive late run at Footprint Center.

Match overview

The contest was tight for most of the night, with neither team able to build a comfortable cushion. Phoenix led 27-22 after the first quarter and took a 52-47 advantage into halftime, but Charlotte kept answering with timely three-point shooting and transition baskets. The Hornets briefly moved ahead in the fourth quarter before the Suns regained control with their best defensive stretch of the game.

The final scoreline reflected the game’s balanced nature: Phoenix’s 101 points came through a mix of half-court execution and free throws, while Charlotte’s 96 points were powered by guard penetration and offensive rebounding. The Suns improved their home record with the win, while the Hornets were left to rue another narrow road defeat.

Key moments

The turning point arrived in the final four minutes. After Charlotte took an 88-86 lead, Phoenix responded with an 8-2 run capped by a Devin Booker pull-up jumper and a transition finish from Jalen Green. The Hornets had chances to close the gap, but two empty possessions and a costly turnover allowed the Suns to protect the lead at the free-throw line.

Phoenix’s fourth-quarter defense was the difference. The Suns forced Charlotte into contested jump shots and limited second-chance points during the closing stretch, turning a one-possession game into a five-point final margin.

Tactical story

Phoenix used a smaller lineup in the second half to increase switching speed on the perimeter. That adjustment helped contain Charlotte’s pick-and-roll attack and forced LaMelo Ball to give up the ball earlier in possessions. The Suns also attacked the paint off dribble hand-offs, drawing help defenders and creating open corner looks.

Charlotte stayed competitive by pushing the pace and crashing the offensive glass. The Hornets outscored Phoenix in second-chance points, but their three-point shooting cooled in the fourth quarter. In a game decided by small margins, Phoenix’s composure at the line and its late defensive stops proved decisive.

Standout performers

• Devin Booker (Phoenix): 28 points, 6 assists, and several key baskets in the fourth quarter.
• Jalen Green (Phoenix): 21 points and strong transition pressure.
• LaMelo Ball (Charlotte): 24 points and 9 assists, keeping the Hornets in contention.
• Brandon Miller (Charlotte): 20 points and 7 rebounds, including several tough contested finishes.

Season impact

The win gives Phoenix another valuable result in the early-season standings and reinforces its home-court advantage. For Charlotte, the loss is a frustrating one after a competitive road performance, but the Hornets showed enough offensive balance to suggest they can bounce back quickly. The head-to-head result adds another tight chapter to a matchup that has produced close finishes in recent seasons.