LaMelo Ball Leads Hornets to Victory Over Timberwolves

Charlotte secures fourth straight win, inches closer to playoff spot

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:49pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with the player's face and jersey dissolving into vibrant, unrecognizable brushstrokes.LaMelo Ball's electrifying performance fuels the Hornets' surge towards the playoffs, as the team's vibrant energy and scoring prowess overwhelm the struggling Timberwolves.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-108 on Sunday, led by a dominant 35-point performance from star player LaMelo Ball. The Hornets' recent surge has put them just half a game away from securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Timberwolves have struggled, losing four of their last five games.

Why it matters

The Hornets' impressive win highlights their potential to make a deep playoff run, while the Timberwolves' setbacks raise questions about their ability to secure a postseason berth in the highly competitive Western Conference.

The details

LaMelo Ball was the driving force behind the Hornets' victory, draining 7 out of 14 three-pointers and showcasing his exceptional shooting range and playmaking abilities. The Hornets shot an impressive 48.9% from the floor, making 45 out of 92 shots. In contrast, the Timberwolves have been dealing with the absence of their star player, Anthony Edwards, who has been sidelined due to lingering knee pain. Despite solid performances from Julius Randle and Bones Hyland, the Timberwolves were unable to overcome the Hornets' strong third-quarter surge, led by Miles Bridges.

  • The Hornets' win on Sunday marked their fourth straight victory.
  • With a 43-36 record, the Hornets are just half a game away from securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
  • The Timberwolves have lost four of their last five games and are three games behind the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The star player for the Charlotte Hornets, who scored 35 points and hit 7 out of 14 three-pointers in the team's victory over the Timberwolves.

Anthony Edwards

The star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has been sidelined due to lingering knee pain, impacting the team's performance.

Julius Randle

A key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who led the team with 26 points in the loss to the Hornets.

Bones Hyland

A player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who contributed 18 points off the bench, including a crucial three-pointer at halftime.

Miles Bridges

A player for the Charlotte Hornets, who had a strong third quarter, scoring 25 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists to help secure the victory.

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What they’re saying

“LaMelo Ball has been a driving force behind the Hornets' recent surge, and his performance tonight was nothing short of exceptional.”

— Analyst

“The absence of Anthony Edwards has been a significant setback for the Timberwolves, and they'll need to find a way to overcome this challenge if they want to secure a playoff spot.”

— Coach

What’s next

The Hornets will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their playoff position, while the Timberwolves will need to find a way to bounce back and overcome their recent struggles.

The takeaway

The Hornets' impressive win over the Timberwolves showcases the team's potential to make a deep playoff run, while the Timberwolves' setbacks highlight the challenges they face in securing a postseason berth in the highly competitive Western Conference.