Brandon Miller scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help the Charlotte Hornets edge out the Atlanta Hawks 110-107 on Wednesday night. This game marked a crucial win as the Hornets continued their strong run, bolstered by Miller’s impactful play.
Supporting Contributions from Ball and Knueppel Bolster Charlotte’s Offense
LaMelo Ball added 24 points, hitting seven three-pointers, while Kon Knueppel contributed 18 points, including four from beyond the arc. The Hornets shot 19 of 51 from three-point range, extending their impressive streak to 10 wins in 11 games. Meanwhile, the Hawks relied on Dyson Daniels, who scored 21 points, and Jalen Johnson, who nearly had a triple-double with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists.
Charlotte Overcomes Suspensions and Roster Challenges
The NBA suspended Charlotte forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate for four games following their involvement in a fight against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Despite these absences, the Hornets found contributions from G League call-up PJ Hall, who recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds, while replacements Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams offered limited production.
Late Hawks Rally Falls Short as Charlotte Holds On
The Hornets built a 19-point lead in the second half, but the Hawks mounted a late surge, narrowing the gap to a single point with 1:05 remaining thanks to a jumper by Jalen Johnson. Atlanta had an opportunity to seize the lead, but Onyeka Okungwu committed a crucial turnover on a fast break. Knueppel then sank two free throws with 19.4 seconds left to push the score to 110-107. The Hawks had one final chance to even the game, but Okungwu missed a three-pointer.
Upcoming Games for Both Teams
Both teams are set to play again on Thursday, with the Hawks visiting Philadelphia and the Hornets hosting Houston, making this closely contested game a pivotal part of their ongoing seasons.
