Hornets' Winning Streak Reaches 25-Year High With Win Over Rockets

Charlotte extends its winning streak to 8 games, its longest since the 2000-01 season.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to 8 games after defeating the Houston Rockets 109-99 at Toyota Center on Thursday. This marks the Hornets' longest winning streak since the 2000-01 season, and is tied for their longest since the 1988-89 season. Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 24 points, while LaMelo Ball added 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Why it matters

The Hornets' impressive winning streak comes as a surprise, as the team has not made the playoffs in the last 9 seasons, the longest active drought in the NBA. However, with Ball, Knueppel, Bridges, and the recent acquisition of Coby White, the Hornets have emerged as an unexpected threat in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Hornets led by as much as 22 points and shot 40% from 3-point range. Charlotte's starters were able to rest for the final 8 minutes of the 4th quarter as the team cruised to victory.

  • The Hornets' 8-game winning streak is their longest since the 2000-01 season.
  • The last time the Hornets won 9 straight games was during the 1988-89 season.

The players

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' leading scorer in the game, pouring in 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard contributed 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets' forward chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Coby White

The Hornets' recent trade deadline acquisition from the Chicago Bulls, providing additional offensive firepower.

Ime Udoka

The Rockets' head coach, who pulled his starters with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter as the Hornets pulled away.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Hornets will face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday as they look to extend their winning streak.

The takeaway

The Hornets' impressive 8-game winning streak, their longest in 25 years, has transformed them from a perennial lottery team into an unexpected contender in the Eastern Conference. Their young core of Ball, Knueppel, Bridges, and the addition of Coby White have made the Hornets a team to watch as the playoff race heats up.