Hornets Extend Franchise-Best Win Streak to Nine with Victory Over Hawks

Miles Bridges scored 26 points, Kon Knueppel added 23, and the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 126-119 on Saturday night to extend their winning streak to nine games, matching the franchise's longest run since the 1998-99 season. The victory improved Charlotte to an impressive 12-3 in their last 15 games, marking a remarkable turnaround for a team that has struggled in recent years.

LaMelo Ball contributed 19 points and nine assists in the winning effort, showcasing the balanced attack that has fueled Charlotte's resurgence. The Hornets' nine-game winning streak represents the longest active streak in the NBA and their best performance since the franchise won nine consecutive games during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 campaign. The team's success has energized their fanbase and put the rest of the league on notice that Charlotte is a team to watch.

For Atlanta, Jalen Johnson delivered an exceptional performance with 31 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, nearly recording a triple-double in the losing effort. The Hawks had won six of their previous eight games before running into Charlotte's hot streak. Atlanta entered the game looking to build on their recent momentum following significant roster changes at the trade deadline, but they couldn't overcome the Hornets' offensive firepower.

The game remained competitive throughout, with Atlanta mounting a late comeback attempt that made things interesting down the stretch. Trailing 120-115 with just 1:42 remaining, the Hawks fought back as Dyson Daniels threw down a dunk off an offensive rebound and Johnson converted two free throws to trim Charlotte's lead to a single point with 26.3 seconds left on the clock. The tense finish had fans on the edge of their seats at State Farm Arena.

However, the Hornets demonstrated the poise and composure that has characterized their winning streak, closing out the game from the free-throw line to secure the victory. Charlotte's ability to execute in crunch time has been a hallmark of their recent success, with the team showing maturity beyond its years. The Hornets' young core, led by Ball and Bridges, appears to be developing the chemistry and confidence needed to compete at a high level.

Charlotte will look to extend their streak to double digits as they continue their road trip, while Atlanta returns home to regroup after the disappointing loss. The Hawks remain in playoff contention despite the setback, but they'll need to find answers defensively to slow down high-powered offenses like Charlotte's. For the Hornets, the question now is how long they can maintain this historic run and whether it will be enough to push them into postseason contention in the competitive Eastern Conference.