Charlotte came into tonight with a fresh mindset after All-Star break and a lot of momentum from what they've done since the calendar flipped to 2026.
However, it was Houston that would have the last laugh in what would be a game that went down to the wire, but Kevin Durant was too good and the Hornets never were able to catch up in a 105-101 loss.
Charlotte , for large stretches of the night, looked like the better team. But when the game slowed down late — when possessions mattered more, when execution becomes the only thing that separates playoff teams from everybody else — the Hornets didn’t make enough winning plays.
This was also the second of four games the Hornets will be without two of their starters in Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate.
Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who poured in a game-high 35 points on an efficient 14-of-20 shooting performance, repeatedly finding answers late whenever Charlotte threatened to swing the momentum back in their favor.
Charlotte had its opportunities, but 16 turnovers proved costly, particularly against a Houston team that was more than willing to capitalize on live-ball mistakes in transition. Grant Williams led the Hornets with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Brandon Miller added 17 despite a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc, finishing just 1-for-12 from three-point range.
Kon Knueppel chipped in 15 points but committed five turnovers, and LaMelo Ball — playing less than 24 hours after being involved in a car accident — finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes.
Even in what few losses the Hornets have had lately, there's still high level basketball happening for the first time in a long time in Charlotte. Going toe to toe with Kevin Durant all the way down the final possessions are proof of that.
The Hornets will be on night number two of a back to back against one of the best in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers, with James Harden freshly added to the roster. The Cavs will also be on night number two of a back to back.