The Highest Points Scored Against the Charlotte Hornets In NBA History

Whether they are the Hornets or the Bobcats, the Charlotte franchise has given up some monstrous scoring nights during the team’s 36-year history, with the following five players scoring 57 or more points.

1. Karl-Anthony Towns — 62 points 

Karl-Anthony Towns' 62-point explosion on January 22, 2024, marks the most points ever scored against the Hornets. The Timberwolves' big man was nearly unstoppable, hitting 21 of 35 from the field, draining 10 threes, and going 10-for-14 from the free-throw line. Towns became just the third center in NBA history to score 60+ points in a game, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Joel Embiid in the exclusive club. While the Hornets squeaked out a 128-125 victory, Towns' performance cemented his place in the history books. 

2. Carmelo Anthony — 62 points 

On January 24, 2014, Carmelo Anthony delivered one of the most efficient scoring performances of his career, torching the then-Charlotte Bobcats for 62 points. The Knicks' forward was locked in from the opening tip, shooting 23-for-35 from the field with 6 threes and going 10-for-10 from the charity stripe. Anthony's 62 points came in just 39 minutes of action, and he did it without a single turnover. The Knicks rolled to a 125-96 win, with Melo's performance remaining tied for the highest-scoring game against the franchise.

3. LeBron James — 61 points 

Just over a month after Anthony torched the Bobcats, LeBron James almost joined the 62-point club on March 3, 2014, dropping 61 points on the Bobcats in what was one of the most complete performances of his Heat career. James hurt the Bobcats from all over the court, hitting 22 of 33 from the field, knocking down 8 threes, and converting 9-for-12 at the line. He added 7 rebounds and 4 assists for good measure, controlling the game from start to finish. Miami won 124-107, with James's stat line serving as a reminder of just how dominant he could be.

4. Kobe Bryant — 58 points

On December 29, 2006, Kobe Bryant carved up the Bobcats for 58 points in a vintage Black Mamba performance. The Lakers' legend wasn’t shy with the ball, shooting 22-for-45 from the field with 5 threes and a near-perfect 19-for-20 from the free-throw line. Bryant’s scoring barrage came during a 133-124 triple overtime loss in which he played 54 minutes. Considering the Lakers' starting unit at the time included Luke Walton, Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, and Brian Cook, it is no wonder that Bryant put up nearly half of the team’s 100 field-goal attempts.

5. Deron Williams — 57 points 

One of the surprise names on this list, Deron Williams' 57-point outburst on March 4, 2012, sits as the highest-scoring game of his career. Playing for the New Jersey Nets, Williams had the green light, hitting 16-for-29 from the field with 4 threes and a perfect 21-for-21 showing at the line. He also dished out 7 assists, orchestrating the offense while carrying the scoring load. Thanks to Williams' heroics, the Nets managed to escape with a 104-101 victory, despite not having much help from his teammates.