Rockets Defeat Hornets in Close Game After All-Star Break

Kevin Durant leads Houston with 35 points in 105-101 victory over Charlotte

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105-101 in a close game on Thursday night, led by a 35-point performance from Kevin Durant. Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points and Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard both scored 13 for the Rockets, who benefited from 16 Charlotte turnovers. The Hornets had won 10 of their previous 11 games but struggled with offensive consistency, allowing the Rockets to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

This game was the first for both teams after the NBA All-Star break, making it an important early test as teams jockey for playoff positioning. The Rockets' road win over the hot-shooting Hornets demonstrates their ability to win close games against quality opponents, while the loss snaps Charlotte's recent winning streak.

The details

The Rockets shot only 9-for-32 on 3-pointers, but Durant was efficient, going 14-for-20 from the field and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. The Hornets were led by Grant Williams' 20 points and Brandon Miller's 17, but LaMelo Ball struggled, making just 1 of 6 3-point attempts. Charlotte was without center Moussa Diabate and forward Miles Bridges due to suspensions from a recent brawl.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 20, 2026, the first game for both teams after the NBA All-Star break.

The players

Kevin Durant

A star forward for the Houston Rockets who scored a game-high 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting.

Jabari Smith Jr.

A Rockets forward who contributed 15 points in the win.

Grant Williams

A Hornets forward who led Charlotte with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard, who had 11 points in 31 minutes of play.

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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)

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Rockets' ability to win close, high-stakes matchups on the road, even against a surging Hornets team. It also demonstrated the importance of limiting turnovers and maintaining offensive consistency, as Charlotte's struggles in those areas ultimately cost them the victory.