NEW YORK — Naz Reid wasted little time making his presence felt in Charlotte, delivering an impressive all-around performance as the Charlotte Hornets opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a 110-103 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, October 21.
Reid recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, giving the Hornets a major boost in his first regular-season appearance for the franchise. His performance helped Charlotte overcome a determined Brooklyn squad and secure a winning start to the new campaign.
However, Reid was not the only newcomer who made an immediate impact.
Grayson Allen came off the bench to score 21 points, while Dennis Schroder added 19 points and six assists. Brandon Miller contributed 18 points, and Moussa Diabate finished with 17 as Charlotte showcased several scoring options despite missing key players.
Naz Reid Makes an Immediate Impact
Reid’s debut offered an early glimpse of what Charlotte hopes to gain from its major offseason roster changes.
The 27-year-old big man finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds while adding seven assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute beyond scoring and interior defense. According to Reuters, the performance marked the 17th game of Reid’s career in which he recorded at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
His ability to stretch the floor also proved valuable. Reid knocked down four three-pointers, forcing Brooklyn to account for his shooting threat instead of concentrating exclusively on defending the paint.
Charlotte acquired Reid from the Minnesota Timberwolves in an offseason trade involving star guard LaMelo Ball. The move represented a major shift in the Hornets’ roster construction as the franchise entered a new chapter.
The opening-night performance provided encouraging early returns, although one game alone cannot determine whether the trade will ultimately deliver the results Charlotte wants.
Grayson Allen, Schroder Help Seal the Win
While Reid supplied the inside presence, Allen delivered a crucial scoring punch from the perimeter.
Allen finished with 21 points off the bench, giving Charlotte another offensive weapon in a game that remained competitive into the fourth quarter. Schroder also stepped up when Brooklyn threatened to close the gap, scoring eight of his 19 points in the final period.
With the Nets attempting to mount a comeback, Schroder helped Charlotte re-establish control. His scoring burst contributed to a 102-92 advantage with 5:38 remaining.
Brooklyn continued to fight, but a late turnover proved costly. After Julius Randle converted a three-point play with 1:16 left, the Nets had an opportunity to make the contest even tighter. Instead, Egor Demin lost possession, allowing Allen to hit a three-pointer that helped put the game out of reach.
The sequence underscored how timely shooting and ball security can determine the outcome of a close NBA contest.
Julius Randle Leads Brooklyn, but the Nets Fall Short
Brooklyn also had a standout individual performance.
Julius Randle led all scorers with 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting in his debut for the Nets. Michael Porter Jr. added 26 points and seven rebounds, giving Brooklyn two productive offensive leaders.
The problem was the lack of comparable scoring support from the rest of the lineup. None of Brooklyn’s other starters reached double figures, making it difficult for the Nets to match Charlotte’s more balanced attack.
Although Brooklyn shot approximately 45% from the field and made 12 of 31 attempts from three-point range, Charlotte generated more scoring opportunities and finished with 20 second-chance points.
The Nets’ interior defense and rebounding also became concerns as the game progressed, particularly when Charlotte created additional possessions through offensive rebounds.
Hornets Navigate Injuries to Open the Season With a Win
Charlotte entered the opener without starters Coby White, who was dealing with a left calf strain, and Kon Knueppel, who had a right hamstring strain, according to the Associated Press.
Despite those absences, the Hornets found enough production from their available players to earn the road victory.
The win was also Charlotte’s sixth consecutive victory in a season opener, according to Sports Illustrated’s Hornets coverage.
For a franchise that missed the Eastern Conference play-in tournament last season, a successful start offers an encouraging sign. Still, the Hornets will need to demonstrate consistency against stronger opposition as the schedule develops.
What Comes Next for Charlotte and Brooklyn?
The Hornets are scheduled to host the Atlanta Hawks for their home opener on Friday, October 23. The Nets, meanwhile, are set to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, October 24.
Reid’s first game has given Charlotte reasons to be optimistic about its revamped roster. His combination of scoring, rebounding, outside shooting and playmaking could become an important part of the team’s offensive identity.
But the bigger question remains: Can Reid maintain this level of production, and can Charlotte turn an impressive opening-night performance into a sustained push toward the playoffs?
For now, the Hornets have their first win of the season—and their new big man has already made a statement.
