Short-handed Hornets hold off Hawks comeback

Charlotte wins without suspended starters, but faces tough schedule ahead

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The young Charlotte Hornets, one of the NBA's biggest surprises this season, held off a late comeback by the Atlanta Hawks to win 114-111 on Wednesday. The Hornets were playing without suspended starters Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, but got key contributions from their rookie class to secure the victory and move into ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

The Hornets have been one of the feel-good stories of the NBA season, surging up the standings despite a rash of injuries and suspensions. This win keeps them in playoff position, but they face a tough schedule after the All-Star break without two of their best players.

The details

The Hornets built a 19-point lead in the third quarter, but the Hawks fought back to within one point late in the fourth. Charlotte was able to get two crucial defensive stops to hold on for the win. Rookie guard Kon Knueppel led the way with 18.9 points per game, while fellow first-year players Ryan Kalkbrenner and Sion James also made key contributions. However, veteran reserves like Grant Williams and Tre Mann struggled, and the Hornets will need more from their bench with Bridges and Diabate out.

  • The NBA suspended Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate for four games on Wednesday, prior to the Hornets-Hawks game.
  • The Hornets built a 19-point lead midway through the third quarter.
  • The Hawks fought back to within one point late in the fourth quarter.

The players

Miles Bridges

A starting forward for the Hornets who was suspended for four games.

Moussa Diabate

A starting forward for the Hornets who was suspended for four games.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Hornets who led the team with 18.9 points per game.

Ryan Kalkbrenner

A rookie center for the Hornets who contributed 8.2 points and 1.5 blocks per game.

Sion James

A rookie guard for the Hornets who provided solid defense off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“The young Hornets have been one of the NBA's biggest surprises of the new year, going 14-7 in 2026 and winning 10 of their last 11 games.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Hornets will face two tough opponents - the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers - after the All-Star break, without the services of their suspended starters Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate.

The takeaway

Despite key injuries and suspensions, the young Hornets have emerged as one of the feel-good stories of the NBA season, surging up the standings with contributions from their rookie class. However, they face a challenging road ahead as they try to secure a playoff spot without two of their best players.