Spurs rally late but fall 111-106 at Charlotte after second-quarter collapse and costly mistakes

Charlotte’s second-quarter surge sets the tone

The San Antonio Spurs’ late push came up short Saturday, Jan. 31, in Charlotte, where the Hornets held on for a 111-106 win in a game moved to an earlier tipoff because of winter weather in North Carolina. San Antonio briefly controlled the opening quarter but could not sustain its offensive rhythm through the middle of the game, leaving too large a deficit to erase in the final minutes.

San Antonio built early momentum behind perimeter shooting and Charlotte turnovers, finishing the first quarter ahead. The game turned sharply in the second quarter, when Charlotte produced a decisive 35-17 advantage. Brandon Miller led that swing, scoring 16 points in the period and helping the Hornets take a 61-47 lead into halftime.

Hornets’ top scorers deliver; Spurs’ primary threat limited early

Miller finished with 26 points to pace Charlotte. Collin Sexton added 21 points off the bench and made all five of his 3-point attempts, providing efficient scoring that kept Charlotte’s offense stable even when the Spurs tightened defensively late. LaMelo Ball recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as Charlotte extended its winning streak to six games.

For San Antonio, rookie Dylan Harper led the team with 20 points. Victor Wembanyama finished with 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting and eight rebounds, but Charlotte’s defensive attention limited his impact in the first half as the Hornets built separation.

San Antonio’s comeback reaches one possession, but never flips the lead

Charlotte’s advantage grew to 17 points in the third quarter before San Antonio began chipping away. Harrison Barnes hit back-to-back 3-pointers during the rally, and a Spurs run brought the deficit down to two points with under five minutes remaining. The Spurs, however, were unable to complete the comeback and did not regain the lead in the closing stretch.

The final minute included a pivotal sequence: with Charlotte up three and 36 seconds left, a foul call on De’Aaron Fox on a Miller 3-point attempt was reviewed and overturned, leading to a jump ball won by Wembanyama. The Spurs did not convert the opportunity, and Charlotte closed the game at the free-throw line.

Key statistical themes that shaped the result

• Charlotte’s second quarter created the margin: a 35-17 period swung a close game into a double-digit halftime lead.
• Bench shooting mattered: Sexton’s 5-for-5 from 3-point range provided high-value scoring without turnovers.
• Late-game execution favored Charlotte: San Antonio cut the lead to one possession but missed chances to tie or take the lead in the final minutes.

Up next: the Spurs return to San Antonio to host the Orlando Magic on Sunday, while the Hornets host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.