Key Takeaways:
- Kevin Durant scored 35 points, including two decisive free throws with 3.2 seconds remaining, as Houston edged Charlotte 105-101
- The Rockets overcame an 11-point first-half deficit to seize their biggest lead at 95-84 with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter
- Grant Williams led the Hornets with 20 points, while Brandon Miller managed 17 points despite making just 1 of 12 three-point attempts
Match Overview
On Thursday night in Charlotte, Kevin Durant delivered a standout performance, netting 35 points and sinking two crucial free throws with just 3.2 seconds remaining to ensure the Houston Rockets’ narrow 105-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 15 points for Houston, with Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun both adding 13 apiece. The Rockets had to come from behind after falling 11 points adrift during the first half, but ultimately exerted control in the closing stages.
no Fall-Off here 😏#AllFire pic.twitter.com/wY3zWIBdUs
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 20, 2026
Momentum Shifts and Key Plays
Charlotte, winners of 11 of their previous 12 games before the All-Star break, raced into an early 11-point advantage, capitalising on strong form and home support. However, Houston clawed back, building steady momentum into the decisive moments. In the fourth quarter, Alperen Sengun was instrumental, scoring with a spinning reverse layup and then a baby hook across consecutive possessions, pushing the Rockets nine points clear at 95-84 with five minutes left on the clock.
The Hornets fought back through Kon Knueppel, who made two important three-pointers in the final minutes to keep the contest alive. Nevertheless, Durant remained unfazed, scoring ten points in the final period and knocking down a critical shot with 44 seconds left, beating the shot clock after slicing through traffic down the left flank. After Knueppel’s third triple slashed the deficit to just 103-101 with six seconds to play, Charlotte was forced to foul and Durant calmly converted both free throws to seal the win.
Individual Performances
Beyond Durant’s scoring masterclass, Smith Jr., Sheppard, and Sengun all posted double figures for the Rockets, highlighting a collective offensive effort. For Charlotte, Grant Williams led all Hornets with 20 points. Despite his shooting struggles from distance, Brandon Miller recorded 17 points, whilst LaMelo Ball finished with 11 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds after having been involved in a two-car incident in downtown Charlotte just a day earlier.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Other Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | Kevin Durant | 35 | Jabari Smith Jr. (15), Reed Sheppard (13), Alperen Sengun (13) |
| Charlotte Hornets | Grant Williams | 20 | Brandon Miller (17), Kon Knueppel (15), LaMelo Ball (11) |
Looking Ahead
The Rockets are set to visit New York on Saturday night, aiming to build on this hard-fought win. The Hornets, meanwhile, will look to regroup as they host Cleveland on Friday night.
