The Charlotte Hornets head into the All-Star break riding momentum after a hard-fought win over the Atlanta Hawks last night, 110-107, closing the first half of the season on a high note despite looming adversity.
With the team set to be without two starters — Moussa Diabaté and Miles Bridges — for the next four games due to suspension, the victory represented both resilience and a statement about the identity this group continues to build.
The Hornets appeared to be in full control for much of the night, showcasing the offensive firepower that has fueled their surge since the calendar flipped to January. The moment of the night came when Brandon Miller put an emphatic dunk over Hawks defender, Onyeka Okongwu.
Ball movement, pace, and shot-making allowed Charlotte to build a comfortable lead, but the Hawks mounted a fierce comeback late, cutting the deficit and threatening to steal momentum heading into the break.
Instead of folding, the Hornets responded with poise, making key defensive stops and executing offensively down the stretch to secure the win.
Closing out a game in those circumstances spoke volumes, particularly with the challenges ahead. Losing Diabaté and Bridges removes two important pieces from the rotation, testing the team’s depth and discipline.am-first mentality that has sparked its recent turnaround.
Kon Knueppel pointed to a clear reason for the Hornets’ improved play in recent weeks: defense. While Charlotte’s offensive talent has never been in question, the team’s commitment on the defensive end has elevated its ceiling.
Heading into the All-Star break, the Hornets can feel confident about the direction of their season. The win not only capped a strong stretch of basketball but also reinforced the culture shift taking place inside the locker room.
The Charlotte Hornets are right there in the mix of the play-in tournament, but now their goals are bigger than that. They want to continue to move up the standings and place themselves firmly into the playoffs without needing the play-in.
It's been a terrific run for the Hornets that given all of the different ways they've won and caliber of teams they've beaten, nobody would dare call it a fluke.