Charlotte saw an 11-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate as they lost their fifth straight game in Washington on Sunday, falling to the 10th seed in the process, 115-110.
The Hornets took the lead early in the first quarter and controlled the contest for the next two-and-a-half quarters, though it came with runs from both teams. The Hornets lead peaked at 16 points late in the first quarter before the Wizards trimmed it down to single digits midway through the second quarter.
After heading into the locker room up four points, the Hornets quickly pushed the lead to 10 points before it was again brought down to a one-possession game by a Washington run. The Hornets closed the third quarter strong and led by 11 points early in the fourth quarter before Washington’s biggest run of the game.
Fueled by Russell Westbrook, the Wizards went on a 17-4 run to turn a 90-79 deficit at the end of the third to a 96-94 lead. From there, the teams traded leads throughout the fourth quarter.
