Wizards Crush Hornets 95-79 as Dybantsa Scores 17 in Home Debut

The Charlotte Hornets shot 12 of 56 from beyond the three-point line on Friday night, a performance that helped cap a 95-79 defeat to the Washington Wizards. The Wizards dominated the scoring in the third quarter, limiting the visitors to just 13 points in that stanza.

The game marked the first night of NBA Cup play, a tournament that runs alongside the regular season. Washington controlled the pace of the game and extended their lead into the second half, making the final margin comfortable.

AJ Dybantsa played in his first home game of the season, scoring 17 points for the Wizards. The 19-year-old forward missed the season opener due to an ankle injury. He made his return on Wednesday, scoring 19 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dybantsa showed poise in front of the Washington crowd on Friday. Officials ruled that he committed rim interference on an offensive rebound and basket in the fourth quarter. Shortly after that call, he changed hands while driving, drew a foul, and made the basket with the glass.

The crowd began chanting for the rookie to be named Most Valuable Player. The fans' enthusiasm reflected the excitement surrounding the top draft pick's arrival on the court after his injury holdup.

Trae Young led the Wizards with 21 points, adding nine assists and seven rebounds. Anthony Davis contributed 25 points and 13 rebounds in Washington's win. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 19 points despite the team's struggles from deep.

Charlotte started the game 4 for 10 from three-point range but finished the first quarter ahead by 10 points. The team then made only four of its next 29 attempts from long distance. The Hornets finished with a 29.7 percent field goal percentage, marking the second lowest scoring output for the team this season after a previous loss.