Key Takeaways:
- Charlotte Hornets defeated the Houston Rockets 109-99 to secure their eighth straight victory
- The triumph marks Charlotte’s longest winning streak since their nine-game run during the 1998-99 campaign
- Kon Knueppel starred with 24 points, while LaMelo Ball contributed 20 for the Hornets
Match Overview
The Charlotte Hornets extended their hot streak to eight games on Thursday night, notching a 109-99 win against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. This current run is the franchise’s most successful stretch since putting together nine consecutive wins in the 1998-99 season.
Rookie Kon Knueppel was instrumental, posting 24 points, as LaMelo Ball added 20 to anchor the Hornets’ offence. Brandon Miller also chipped in with 11 points, despite being sidelined for the entire second quarter due to foul trouble. Miles Bridges rounded out the primary contributors for Charlotte with 18 points.
E I G H T. S T R A I G H T.
first time since 1999 😤 #HiveMentality pic.twitter.com/wphgCtsrG1
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 6, 2026
Key Moments and Runs
Charlotte established control early on and led by 16 at the end of the third quarter. Brandon Miller opened the fourth period with five straight points, pushing the Hornets’ advantage to 96-75 with approximately 11 minutes remaining. The visitors then broke off a quick 5-0 spurt — highlighted by a Sion James three-pointer — to make it 103-81 near the eight-minute mark. Following that surge, Houston coach Ime Udoka withdrew his starters from the contest.
The Rockets struggled for a second successive night, following their 114-93 defeat to a Boston side missing Jaylen Brown just one evening prior. Kevin Durant spearheaded Houston’s effort with 31 points and Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 17. Alperen Sengun, previously averaging 21.2 points per game, was limited to just seven on 3-of-11 shooting.
Rotations and Player Highlights
Coby White, recently acquired from the Chicago Bulls in a deal completed on Wednesday, joined the Hornets squad but did not appear, as he is expected to recover from a calf issue through the All-Star break.
In the third quarter, the Rockets narrowed the deficit to seven thanks to a basket from Durant, but Sion James and LaMelo Ball knocked down consecutive three-pointers to restore Charlotte’s cushion at 83-70, with about four minutes to play in the period. Charlotte closed the third with the last four points, entering the final frame up 91-75.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | Kon Knueppel | 24 | LaMelo Ball (20), Miles Bridges (18) |
| Houston Rockets | Kevin Durant | 31 | Jabari Smith Jr. (17) |
What’s Next
- The Hornets will travel to Atlanta for a match-up on Saturday night
- The Rockets are set to visit Oklahoma City on Saturday
