GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Gary Neal scored 19 points and the new-look Charlotte Hornets held off the Washington Wizards 99-86 on Friday night for their first victory of the preseason.
The Hornets (1-1) never trailed after jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the first four minutes. They led by as much as 23 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Al Jefferson added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kemba Walker scored 13 points, while Jannero Pargo added 15 and North Carolina rookie P.J. Hairston chipped in 13 off the bench.
Lance Stephenson, the Hornets’ offseason free-agent acquisition from the Indiana Pacers, dressed but did not play due to a toe injury.
Washington (2-1) got 16 points from Xavier Silas and 14 from Otto Porter, both from the bench. Paul Pierce led the Wizards’ starters with seven points.
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