Hornets Extend Win Streak to Nine Games

Rookie Kon Knueppel and veteran Moussa Diabate lead Charlotte to victory over Hawks

Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:39am

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The Charlotte Hornets extended their win streak to nine games with a 107-100 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Rookie Kon Knueppel scored 23 points, including 6 three-pointers, while veteran Moussa Diabate recorded another double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds. The Hornets outscored the Hawks 38-30 in the third quarter to pull away for the win, which brings them within 1.5 games of the Hawks for the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

The Hornets' nine-game win streak has them surging back into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. A win over the top team in the East, the Detroit Pistons, in their next game would tie the franchise record for longest win streak and further cement Charlotte as a team to watch down the stretch.

The details

Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting, while rookie Kon Knueppel added 23 points, including 6 three-pointers. Veteran forward Moussa Diabate continued his strong play, recording his second straight double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds, 5 of which came on the offensive glass.

  • The Hornets entered Saturday night's game against the Hawks looking for their ninth straight victory.
  • Charlotte and Atlanta were tied at halftime before the Hornets pulled away with a strong third quarter.
  • The Hornets' next game is against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, which could tie the franchise record for longest win streak.

The players

Moussa Diabate

A veteran forward for the Charlotte Hornets who recorded his second straight double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie sensation for the Hornets who scored 23 points, including 6 three-pointers, in the win over the Hawks.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets' leading scorer with 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“I think we're really finding our identity.”

— Moussa Diabate (Sporting News)

“What we've been preaching this summer is really what is showing now. Playing fast, running the floor, communicating on defense, being physical, being active—all those things are really coming together.”

— Moussa Diabate (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Hornets' next game is against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, which could tie the franchise record for longest win streak at 10 games.

The takeaway

The Hornets' nine-game win streak has them surging back into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, and a win over the top team in the East would further cement Charlotte as a team to watch down the stretch.