In a captivating showdown, the Charlotte Hornets achieved their ninth consecutive triumph, overcoming the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 126-119. Moussa Diabate emerged as a pivotal force in the fourth quarter, delivering a series of impactful plays that shifted the momentum firmly in the Hornets' favor. This victory not only prolonged their impressive winning streak but also highlighted their resilience in high-pressure situations, reminiscent of their sustained success from nearly three decades ago.
The match was a seesaw affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first half. The Hawks initially gained a nine-point advantage in the opening quarter, but the Hornets steadily chipped away, ending the period only three points behind. A three-point play from LaMelo Ball early in the second quarter knotted the score, leading to a dynamic back-and-forth contest that saw the teams enter halftime deadlocked at 60 points apiece, marked by numerous lead changes and ties.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, the Hornets began to assert their dominance. Fueled by nine points from Ball, Charlotte orchestrated an impressive 11-0 run to conclude the quarter, establishing a 98-90 lead. However, Atlanta refused to concede, launching a spirited 16-4 counter-attack in the final period, briefly reclaiming a 108-105 lead thanks to a critical three-pointer from Zaccharie Risacher with just under eight minutes remaining.
The decisive turn came with approximately six minutes left, as the Hornets trailed 110-109. Moussa Diabate seized control, sinking two crucial free throws and following up with two thunderous dunks. These impactful plays created a five-point buffer for Charlotte, a lead that Atlanta ultimately could not overcome despite a late attempt to tie the game with a missed three-pointer by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Key contributors for the Hornets included Miles Bridges, who led all scorers with 26 points, and Kon Knueppel, who added 23 points, including six successful three-pointers, along with eight rebounds. LaMelo Ball provided 19 points and nine assists, while Diabate's game-changing performance resulted in 11 points and 15 rebounds. For the Hawks, Jalen Johnson delivered a strong showing with 31 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, supported by Risacher's 18 points and Onyeka Okongwu's 16 points and six rebounds upon his return from injury.
This win also marked the Hornets' second victory over the Hawks in their season series, now leading 2-1, and ended a three-game losing streak for Charlotte in Atlanta. The two teams are set to meet for their final regular-season game in Charlotte on Wednesday.
The Charlotte Hornets showcased exceptional composure and skill in a closely fought contest against the Atlanta Hawks, securing their ninth consecutive win. This remarkable achievement, propelled by Moussa Diabate's clutch performance, underscores the team's burgeoning strength and their ability to perform under pressure, matching a franchise record for consecutive victories that dates back to the 1998-99 season.