The Charlotte Hornets continued their remarkable run on Saturday night, notching their ninth consecutive victory with a 126-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta. The contest, played on February 8, 2026, saw the Hornets cement their position as the hottest team in the NBA, matching their franchise-best win streak last achieved during the 1998-99 season. While the Hawks put up a spirited fight, especially in the closing minutes, it was Charlotte’s poise, rebounding dominance, and clutch free throw shooting that ultimately made the difference.
For the Hornets, Miles Bridges led the scoring charge with 26 points, showcasing his ever-reliable mix of athleticism and shot-making. Kon Knueppel added a crucial 23 points, providing timely buckets and a steady presence on both ends. LaMelo Ball, ever the orchestrator, contributed 19 points and dished out nine assists, once again demonstrating his value as the engine of Charlotte’s offense. Brandon Miller chipped in with 16 points, while Moussa Diabate was a force on the glass, finishing with 11 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Charlotte’s win streak, now at nine games, is the longest active streak in the NBA. The Hornets have surged to a 12-3 record over their last 15 outings, a remarkable turnaround that has energized the team and its fan base. Head coach and players alike have stressed the importance of consistency and chemistry, and Saturday’s performance was a testament to both. The Hornets didn’t just outscore the Hawks—they outworked them, particularly on the boards, where they amassed a 49-30 rebounding advantage.
"We’re just playing for each other right now," said Miles Bridges after the game, reflecting on the team’s unity and drive. "Everyone’s buying in, and we’re seeing the results. It’s a great feeling, but we know there’s still a lot of basketball left."
On the Atlanta side, Jalen Johnson delivered a standout performance, nearly recording a triple-double with 31 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Johnson was a constant threat, driving to the rim with authority and keeping the Hawks within striking distance. Zaccharie Risacher, returning from an 11-game injury absence due to a left knee bone contusion, made an immediate impact. Risacher scored 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, and added three blocks on the defensive end. Onyeka Okongwu also contributed 16 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had led the Hawks in their previous game against Houston, was less prominent this time around.
Despite the loss, Hawks coach and players pointed to positive takeaways, especially Risacher’s strong return. "He looked great moving off-ball, shot it with confidence when the ball swung his way and looked relatively good on defense as well with three blocks," noted one Hawks analyst. Risacher’s resurgence comes at a crucial time for Atlanta, as the team continues to battle through injuries and search for greater consistency.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows through the first three quarters. The Hawks got off to a hot start, matching Charlotte’s energy and tying the game at 60 apiece by halftime. However, Atlanta’s well-documented third-quarter struggles resurfaced, as the Hornets closed the period on an 11-0 run. Grant Williams sparked the surge with a three-point play and a three-pointer, while Tre Mann’s triple pushed Charlotte ahead 98-90 heading into the final quarter.
Atlanta refused to fold, however. Early in the fourth, the Hawks mounted a 13-2 run to briefly take a 108-105 lead, fueled by aggressive drives from Johnson and timely shooting from Okongwu. But the Hornets’ ball movement and rebounding edge soon proved decisive. Charlotte’s ability to secure offensive boards—15 to Atlanta’s four—kept possessions alive and wore down the Hawks’ defense.
Down the stretch, the game tightened considerably. With 1:42 left, Atlanta trailed 120-115 but rallied as Dyson Daniels dunked off an offensive rebound and Johnson calmly sank two free throws, trimming the deficit to just one with 26.3 seconds remaining. The tension in State Farm Arena was palpable; would the Hawks finally turn the tables in crunch time?
Charlotte’s composure at the free throw line answered that question. Ball, Miller, and Bridges each converted a pair of foul shots in the waning moments, sealing the victory. The Hornets finished a flawless 16-for-16 from the line, while the Hawks went 15-for-17—a testament to the high level of execution on both sides.
"Every possession mattered tonight," said LaMelo Ball. "We knew Atlanta would push us, especially with their crowd behind them. But we stuck together and made the plays we needed."
Atlanta’s loss drops them out of their recent groove, having won six of their previous eight games. The defeat also highlights ongoing concerns for the Hawks, especially their inability to control the glass and their inconsistent third-quarter performances. As one local analyst put it, "The Hawks haven’t been very good at getting momentum back at the half this season. They’re 20th in net rating in the third quarter and they’ve been particularly bad on offense out of the half." Indeed, Atlanta’s struggles after halftime have become a recurring theme, one the coaching staff will need to address with a challenging road trip ahead.
Injuries remain a subplot for both squads. The Hawks were bolstered by Risacher’s return, but still missed Onyeka Okongwu for stretches due to a recent dental fracture, and Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined with left Achilles tendinitis. The Hornets, meanwhile, have managed to keep their core intact, a key factor in their current run.
The two teams won’t have to wait long for a rematch. The Hawks and Hornets are set to face off again on Wednesday night, February 11, this time in Charlotte. Before that, the Hornets will open a four-game homestand against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, while the Hawks embark on a three-game road trip, starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As the NBA season grinds on, Charlotte’s resurgence is one of its most compelling stories. With their confidence soaring and their chemistry clicking, the Hornets are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with. For the Hawks, the focus shifts to regrouping, shoring up their weaknesses, and getting healthy as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.
Saturday night’s contest delivered thrills, drama, and a showcase of rising stars. If this is a preview of what’s to come in the next matchup, fans are in for another treat when these two teams meet again in just a few days.