Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Atlanta HawksOpen full analysis
Charlotte defeated Atlanta 126–119 on February 7 at State Farm Arena, with the Hornets' third-quarter explosion proving decisive in a closely contested matchup. Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 26 points, while K. Knueppel added 23 points as the visitors shot 48.4 percent from the field and made 18 three-pointers. J. Johnson paced the Hawks with 31 points, and Z. Risacher contributed 18, but Atlanta's 48.9 percent shooting and 18 threes couldn't overcome Charlotte's rebounding advantage and offensive efficiency. The Hornets dominated the third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 38–30 to build separation, and finished with a 49–30 rebound edge and 31 assists compared to the Hawks' 30. Atlanta's defense allowed a 124.7 offensive rating while struggling on the other end with a 124.7 defensive rating, and committed only 10 turnovers to Charlotte's 15, yet couldn't generate enough stops when it mattered. The game fell just short of the 232.5 Vegas total. Charlotte's balanced scoring and rebounding control suggest the Hornets are trending upward in the Eastern Conference race.
