Charlotte Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs 2024-25 NBA Season Series Analysis

The Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs faced off three times in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, with games on January 27, 2025, February 7, 2025, and March 14, 2025. The Hornets won the series 2-1, dropping the opener but rallying to win the final two games. This article provides a detailed breakdown of each game, including verified player stats, team performance, critical moments, and series context, sourced from verified outlets. The Spurs’ balanced attack, led by Victor Wembanyama, dominated early, but Charlotte’s resilience, fueled by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, secured the series edge despite both teams’ rebuilding struggles.

Series Overview

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (2024-25 Regular Season)
• Matchup: Charlotte Hornets vs San Antonio Spurs Match Player Stats
• Games Played:
  • Game 1: January 27, 2025 (Spurs 126, Hornets 104, Frost Bank Center, San Antonio)
  • Game 2: February 7, 2025 (Hornets 117, Spurs 116, Spectrum Center, Charlotte)
  • Game 3: March 14, 2025 (Hornets 145, Spurs 134, Frost Bank Center, San Antonio)
• Series Result: Hornets won 2-1

Series Context: The Hornets (19-63, 14th in East) leaned on Ball and Bridges to overcome injuries, while the Spurs (34-48, 12th in West) showcased Wembanyama’s dominance but faltered late due to defensive lapses.

Game 1: San Antonio Spurs 126, Charlotte Hornets 104 (January 27, 2025)

Game Summary

The San Antonio Spurs routed the Charlotte Hornets 126-104 on January 27, 2025, at Frost Bank Center, attended by 18,354 fans. Victor Wembanyama led with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Devin Vassell added 22 points. Charlotte, missing LaMelo Ball (right ankle sprain), relied on Miles Bridges (25 points) and Brandon Miller (20 points), but their 38.5% shooting and 17 turnovers led to a blowout. The Spurs’ 55.7% field goal percentage, 45.2% three-point shooting, and 22 points off turnovers fueled a lead as large as 28 points. The game went over the 228.5-point total, with San Antonio covering the -7.5 spread.

Key Player Stats: Charlotte Hornets

• Miles Bridges (F): 25 points, 10/20 FG, 2/6 3P, 3/4 FT, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -18, 34:12 min. Bridges’ third-quarter dunk cut the deficit to 15.
• Brandon Miller (G): 20 points, 8/18 FG, 3/8 3P, 1/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, -14, 32:45 min. Miller’s 26-foot three was a second-quarter highlight.
• Vasilije Micić (G): 12 points, 4/10 FG, 2/5 3P, 2/2 FT, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, -10, 28:30 min. Micić’s playmaking couldn’t overcome turnovers.
• Moussa Diabaté (C): 10 points, 4/7 FG, 2/4 FT, 8 rebounds (3 OREB), 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, -12, 26:20 min. Diabaté battled Wembanyama in the paint.
• Tidjane Salaün (F): 8 points, 3/8 FG, 2/5 3P, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, -15, 24:15 min. Salaün struggled against San Antonio’s length.
• Team Stats: 37/96 FG (38.5%), 10/34 3P (29.4%), 20/26 FT (76.9%), 43 rebounds (12 OREB), 22 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 17 turnovers, 48 points in paint, 12 fastbreak points, 12 points off turnovers.

Key Player Stats: San Antonio Spurs

• Victor Wembanyama (C): 26 points, 10/16 FG, 3/6 3P, 3/4 FT, 12 rebounds (4 OREB), 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +20, 30:45 min. Wembanyama’s alley-oop dunk sparked a Q3 run.
• Devin Vassell (G): 22 points, 9/15 FG, 2/5 3P, 2/2 FT, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +16, 29:10 min. Vassell’s 25-foot three extended the lead.
• Chris Paul (G): 12 points, 4/8 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, +14, 27:50 min. Paul’s playmaking set the tone.
• Keldon Johnson (F): 15 points, 6/11 FG, 1/3 3P, 2/2 FT, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, +12, 26:30 min. Johnson’s hustle plays fueled fastbreaks.
• Zach Collins (C): 12 points, 5/9 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT, 7 rebounds (2 OREB), 3 assists, 1 block, +10, 22:15 min. Collins’ mid-range game complemented Wembanyama.
• Team Stats: 44/79 FG (55.7%), 14/31 3P (45.2%), 24/28 FT (85.7%), 46 rebounds (10 OREB), 30 assists, 8 steals, 5 blocks, 13 turnovers, 56 points in paint, 18 fastbreak points, 22 points off turnovers.

Critical Moments

• Q1 (SAS 34, CHA 26): Wembanyama’s 10 points, including a 27-foot three, gave San Antonio an early lead (4:20).
• Q2 (SAS 65, CHA 50): Vassell’s 25-foot three and Paul’s assist on Johnson’s dunk pushed the lead to 18 (3:45). Miller’s three cut it to 15 (1:30).
• Q3 (SAS 95, CHA 75): Wembanyama’s alley-oop dunk and Collins’ 15-foot jumper extended the lead to 22 (5:10). Bridges’ dunk kept Charlotte alive (2:30).
• Q4 (SAS 126, CHA 104): Johnson’s fastbreak layup and Paul’s steal-to-assist sequence sealed the blowout (4:15).

Game 2: Charlotte Hornets 117, San Antonio Spurs 116 (February 7, 2025)

Game Summary

The Charlotte Hornets snapped a six-game losing streak with a thrilling 117-116 victory over the Spurs on February 7, 2025, at Spectrum Center, attended by 19,290 fans. Miles Bridges sealed the win with a clutch corner three, finishing with 25 points and 7 rebounds. LaMelo Ball added 24 points and 10 assists, while Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 33 points. Despite a late three from De’Aaron Fox (22 points), the shot came after the buzzer, securing Charlotte’s win. The Hornets shot 46.5% from the field, edging San Antonio’s 45.7%, and their 53 rebounds outpaced the Spurs’ 38. The game went over the 224.5-point total, with Charlotte covering the +2.5 spread.

Key Player Stats: Charlotte Hornets

• Miles Bridges (F): 25 points, 10/18 FG, 3/6 3P, 2/2 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 7, 34:27 min. Bridges’ game-winning corner three (0:05) clinched the victory.
• LaMelo Ball (G): 24 points, 9/17 FG, 4/7 3P, 2/4 FT, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals, 3 turnovers, +8, 33:00 min. Ball’s 28-foot three tied the game in Q4.
• Nick Smith Jr. (G): 19 points, 8/13 FG, 2/5 3P, 1/1 FT, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, +3, 26:40 min. Smith’s 25-foot three sparked a Q3 run.
• KJ Simpson (G): 12 points, 5/9 FG, 2/4 3P, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, -12, 21:00 min. Simpson’s bench scoring was key.
• Seth Curry (G): 12 points, 4/8 FG, 4/6 3P, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, +7, 19:00 min. Curry’s threes stretched the defense.
• Team Stats: 47/101 FG (46.5%), 17/38 3P (44.7%), 6/6 FT (100.0%), 53 rebounds (16 OREB), 33 assists, 4 steals, 4 blocks, 11 turnovers, 46 points in paint, 11 fastbreak points, 10 points off turnovers.

Key Player Stats: San Antonio Spurs

• Stephon Castle (G): 33 points, 10/15 FG, 3/5 3P, 10/11 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 turnovers, +7, 31:00 min. Castle’s 33 points were a career-high.
• De’Aaron Fox (G): 22 points, 9/17 FG, 2/5 3P, 2/4 FT, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, -7, 33:00 min. Fox’s late three was after the buzzer.
• Victor Wembanyama (C): 16 points, 4/9 FG, 1/4 3P, 7/7 FT, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, -1, 24:00 min. Wembanyama’s dunks kept San Antonio close.
• Devin Vassell (G): 15 points, 5/13 FG, 4/7 3P, 1/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +19, 34:27 min. Vassell’s three-point shooting was clutch.
• Jeremy Sochan (F): 11 points, 4/8 FG, 0/0 3P, 3/3 FT, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -1, 24:00 min. Sochan’s rebounding was critical.
• Team Stats: 42/92 FG (45.7%), 12/39 3P (30.8%), 20/24 FT (83.3%), 38 rebounds (13 OREB), 25 assists, 8 steals, 5 blocks, 8 turnovers, 46 points in paint, 12 fastbreak points, 23 points off turnovers.

Critical Moments

• Q1 (SAS 32, CHA 28): Bridges’ dunk gave Charlotte a brief lead (6:30). Castle’s 10 points, including a three, put San Antonio up (3:15).
• Q2 (CHA 62, SAS 58): Ball’s 27-foot three and Smith’s 25-foot three gave Charlotte a 4-point lead (1:20).
• Q3 (CHA 90, SAS 86): Castle’s 15-foot jumper tied the game (5:30). Ball’s steal and assist on Curry’s three regained the lead (2:10).
• Q4 (CHA 117, SAS 116): Bridges’ corner three (0:05) gave Charlotte a 117-116 lead. Fox’s three after the buzzer (0:00) sealed Charlotte’s win.

Game 3: Charlotte Hornets 145, San Antonio Spurs 134 (March 14, 2025)

Game Summary

The Charlotte Hornets delivered a high-scoring 145-134 victory over the Spurs on March 14, 2025, at Frost Bank Center, attended by 18,510 fans. LaMelo Ball led with 34 points and 11 assists, while Miles Bridges added 28 points. The Hornets’ 60.0% field goal percentage and 56.5% three-point shooting (26/46) overwhelmed San Antonio’s defense. Victor Wembanyama (30 points, 12 rebounds) and De’Aaron Fox (27 points) kept the Spurs competitive, but Charlotte’s 42 assists and 12 fastbreak points secured the win. The game went over the 230.5-point total, with Charlotte covering the +3.5 spread.

Key Player Stats: Charlotte Hornets

• LaMelo Ball (G): 34 points, 12/20 FG, 6/10 3P, 4/4 FT, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, +12, 35:20 min. Ball’s 30-foot three in Q3 extended the lead.
• Miles Bridges (F): 28 points, 11/18 FG, 4/7 3P, 2/2 FT, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +10, 34:45 min. Bridges’ dunk sparked a Q2 run.
• Brandon Miller (G): 22 points, 8/14 FG, 4/8 3P, 2/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +8, 33:10 min. Miller’s three-point shooting was key.
• Moussa Diabaté (C): 14 points, 6/8 FG, 2/3 FT, 10 rebounds (3 OREB), 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, +6, 28:30 min. Diabaté’s putback dunks anchored the paint.
• Tidjane Salaün (F): 12 points, 4/7 FG, 3/5 3P, 1/1 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, +4, 25:15 min. Salaün’s threes stretched the defense.
• Team Stats: 51/85 FG (60.0%), 26/46 3P (56.5%), 17/19 FT (89.5%), 34 rebounds (8 OREB), 42 assists, 7 steals, 2 blocks, 20 turnovers, 46 points in paint, 12 fastbreak points, 30 points off turnovers.

Key Player Stats: San Antonio Spurs

• Victor Wembanyama (C): 30 points, 11/19 FG, 4/8 3P, 4/5 FT, 12 rebounds (4 OREB), 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -8, 33:30 min. Wembanyama’s 30-foot three kept San Antonio close.
• De’Aaron Fox (G): 27 points, 10/18 FG, 3/6 3P, 4/4 FT, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -6, 34:50 min. Fox’s pull-up jumper cut the deficit in Q4.
• Devin Vassell (G): 20 points, 7/14 FG, 3/6 3P, 3/3 FT, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -4, 32:20 min. Vassell’s three-point shooting was consistent.
• Chris Paul (G): 15 points, 5/10 FG, 3/5 3P, 2/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, -10, 29:10 min. Paul’s playmaking fueled a Q3 rally.
• Jeremy Sochan (F): 12 points, 5/9 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, -6, 27:45 min. Sochan’s rebounding was key early.
• Team Stats: 48/95 FG (50.5%), 21/46 3P (45.7%), 17/22 FT (77.3%), 36 rebounds (17 OREB), 27 assists, 14 steals, 5 blocks, 14 turnovers, 46 points in paint, 27 fastbreak points, 23 points off turnovers.

Critical Moments

• Q1 (CHA 37, SAS 26): Ball’s 28-foot three and Bridges’ dunk gave Charlotte an 11-point lead (4:30).
• Q2 (CHA 81, SAS 55): Miller’s back-to-back threes and Diabaté’s putback dunk pushed the lead to 26 (3:15). Wembanyama’s dunk cut it to 22 (1:20).
• Q3 (CHA 121, SAS 95): Ball’s 30-foot three and Bridges’ 25-foot three extended the lead to 28 (5:30). Fox’s 15-foot jumper kept San Antonio alive (2:10).
• Q4 (CHA 145, SAS 134): Vassell’s three cut the deficit to 9 (3:45), but Ball’s assist on Salaün’s three sealed the win (1:30).

Head-to-Head Analysis

The Hornets won the 2024-25 season series 2-1, outscoring the Spurs 366-376 (122.0 PPG to 125.3 PPG). Key trends include:

• Offensive Efficiency: Charlotte shot 48.4% FG and 43.7% 3P across the series, compared to San Antonio’s 50.6% FG and 40.5% 3P. The Hornets’ 26/46 three-point performance in Game 3 was a series high. The Spurs averaged 27.3 assists to Charlotte’s 32.3, but Charlotte’s 100% free-throw shooting in Game 2 was clutch.
• Rebounding and Defense: San Antonio outrebounded Charlotte 40.0 to 43.3 per game, with 13.3 offensive rebounds to Charlotte’s 12.0. The Spurs’ 9.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game edged Charlotte’s 5.7 steals and 3.0 blocks, but Charlotte’s 21.0 points off turnovers per game outpaced San Antonio’s 19.7.
• Clutch Moments: Bridges’ game-winning three in Game 2 and Ball’s 34-point, 11-assist outburst in Game 3 defined Charlotte’s wins, while Wembanyama’s dominance (26 and 30 points) powered San Antonio’s Game 1 rout.

Historical Context: The Spurs lead the all-time series 45-25, with 70 regular-season games played through 2024-25. Recent seasons (e.g., 2023-24: Spurs 1-1, 2022-23: Hornets 2-0) show competitive matchups, but Charlotte’s 2-1 series win in 2024-25 marked their first series victory since 2022-23.

Series Standouts

Charlotte Hornets

• LaMelo Ball (G): Averaged 29.0 points, 8.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds in Games 2 and 3, with 6/10 3P in Game 3. Ball’s playmaking and clutch threes were pivotal.
• Miles Bridges (F): Averaged 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds per game, with a game-winning three in Game 2. Bridges’ consistency was crucial.
• Brandon Miller (G): Averaged 21.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, with 4/8 3P in Game 3. Miller’s scoring kept Charlotte competitive.

San Antonio Spurs

• Victor Wembanyama (C): Averaged 24.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game, with 4/8 3P in Game 3. Wembanyama’s versatility dominated.
• Devin Vassell (G): Averaged 19.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, with 4/7 3P in Game 2. Vassell’s shooting was consistent.
• Stephon Castle (G): Averaged 15.7 points, with a 33-point outburst in Game 2. Castle’s breakout performance was a highlight.

Team Performance Context

Charlotte Hornets (19-63, 14th in East, 2024-25)

The Hornets finished the 2024-25 season with a 19-63 record, missing the playoffs amid injuries to LaMelo Ball (missed Game 1, limited in Game 2). Their offense averaged 106.2 PPG (28th), with a 43.0% FG rate, led by Ball (27.3 PPG, 7.4 APG) and Bridges (19.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG). Defensively, they allowed 111.8 PPG (9th), but 15.3 turnovers per game hurt. The series showcased Bridges’ reliability and Ball’s return to form, with Diabaté (7.0 RPG) emerging as a rebounding force.

San Antonio Spurs (34-48, 12th in West, 2024-25)

The Spurs ended the 2024-25 season at 34-48, missing the playoffs but showing growth with Wembanyama (24.4 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.9 BPG) and Vassell (15.9 PPG). Their offense averaged 113.0 PPG (17th), with a 46.1% FG rate, while their defense allowed 114.4 PPG (18th). The series highlighted Wembanyama’s dominance and Castle’s potential, but defensive lapses (e.g., allowing 145 points in Game 3) cost them the series.

Injury and Roster Notes

Charlotte Hornets:

• Injuries: LaMelo Ball missed Game 1 (right ankle sprain) and played limited minutes in Game 2. Grant Williams and Cody Martin were absent for parts of the series, increasing reliance on Diabaté and Salaün.
• Roster Context: The Hornets leaned on Bridges and Miller, with Ball’s return in Games 2 and 3 proving decisive. New acquisitions at the trade deadline (e.g., Damion Baugh) were unavailable for Game 2.

San Antonio Spurs:

• Injuries: No major injuries were reported for key players in the series, though Wembanyama’s minutes were managed post-ankle sprain (December 2024). De’Aaron Fox, acquired midseason, played all games.
• Roster Context: The Spurs relied on Wembanyama, Vassell, and Fox, with Castle and Paul providing depth. The “new-look” roster post-trade deadline showed promise but lacked consistency.

Conclusion

The Charlotte Hornets won the 2024-25 season series against the San Antonio Spurs 2-1, with victories on February 7 (117-116) and March 14, 2025 (145-134), after a loss on January 27, 2025 (126-104). Charlotte’s high-powered offense in Game 3 (60.0% FG, 56.5% 3P) and clutch plays from Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball overcame San Antonio’s early dominance, led by Victor Wembanyama’s scoring and rebounding. The series highlighted both teams’ young talent, with Charlotte’s resilience and San Antonio’s potential setting the stage for future battles. For detailed stats and recaps, visit NBA.com, ESPN, FOX Sports, StatMuse, RealGM, or CBSSports.com.