Hornets Overcome Suspensions to Defeat Hawks

Charlotte Hornets rally in second half to secure key win over Atlanta Hawks before All-Star break

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Charlotte Hornets overcame the absence of two starters due to suspensions to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Led by strong performances from Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and LaMelo Ball, the Hornets rallied in the second half to secure the victory and flip seeding positions with the Hawks in the standings.

Why it matters

This win was crucial for the Hornets' playoff positioning, as they were able to leapfrog the Hawks in the standings despite being short-handed. The Hornets' ability to respond to adversity and maintain their offensive firepower without key players demonstrates their growth and resilience as a team.

The details

The Hornets came out firing, with Knueppel and Miller leading the charge in the first quarter. Atlanta responded with a run to take a brief lead, but Charlotte regained control and pushed the advantage to as many as 17 points in the second quarter. The Hawks made a push to close the gap before halftime, but the Hornets were able to reestablish their dominance in the third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 25-11 in the period. The Hawks made a late surge to cut the lead to single digits, but the Hornets held on for the victory.

  • The Hornets led by as many as 17 points in the second quarter.
  • Charlotte outscored Atlanta 25-11 in the third quarter to take a 14-point lead into the fourth.
  • The Hawks made a late push to cut the Hornets' lead to single digits, but Charlotte held on for the win.

The players

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' rookie forward had a standout performance, leading all scorers with 21 points, including a highlight-reel dunk on Atlanta's Onyeka Okongwu.

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' rookie guard broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie, finishing the game with 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' superstar point guard orchestrated the offense and made key plays down the stretch to help secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Hornets will look to carry this momentum into the All-Star break and continue their push for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

The Hornets' ability to overcome adversity and secure a crucial win over a conference rival without two starters demonstrates their growth and resilience as a team. This victory could prove pivotal in their pursuit of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.