Hornets Win 9th Straight, Top Hawks 126-119

The Charlotte Hornets kept their hot streak alive Saturday night. They defeated the Atlanta Hawks 126-119 to win their ninth straight game. The young Hornets continue to shock the Eastern Conference with their amazing run.

Bridges and Knueppel Lead the Charge

Miles Bridges powered Charlotte with 26 points on a sizzling 71 percent shooting. He attacked the rim like a freight train all night. His strong moves to the basket broke down Atlanta's defense again and again.

Rookie Kon Knueppel kept proving why the Hornets took him fourth overall. He scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 36 minutes. The Duke star showed his all-around game. He controlled the glass and knocked down shots from all over the court.

LaMelo Runs the Show

LaMelo Ball did what he does best, he made everyone better. The All-Star point guard finished with 19 points and nine assists. He zipped passes through tight windows like threading a needle. Ball's court vision creates easy baskets for his teammates.

Moussa Diabate owned the paint with 15 rebounds. His effort on the boards gave Charlotte extra chances. Brandon Miller added 16 points as the Hornets' young core keeps growing together.

Hawks Fight Back Behind Johnson

Jalen Johnson was spectacular for Atlanta. He poured in 31 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out eight assists. The young forward looks like a superstar in the making. He attacked from every angle and never stopped competing.

Zaccharie Risacher shot 70 percent from the floor for 18 points. Onyeka Okongwu chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker ran the offense with 10 assists.

Atlanta led 60-60 at halftime. But Charlotte took control in the third quarter. The Hornets outscored the Hawks 38-30 to grab a 98-90 lead heading into the fourth.

Playoff Push

Charlotte now sits at 25-28 and looks like a completely different team. Their nine-game win streak has them climbing the Eastern Conference standings. This young squad keeps finding ways to win.