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The Charlotte Hornets picked up play after the All-Star break with a tough home night against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, but fell just short in a close finish. Missing two starters, Charlotte leaned on role players who delivered effort and clutch shooting, even as the scoreboard favored Houston in the end.
Night of opportunity: How the game played out
Charlotte hoped to sweep the season series after an earlier double-digit win over the Rockets. The matchup turned into a grind. The Hornets were without Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, both sidelined by suspension, which forced coach and bench to adjust minutes and roles.
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Houston ultimately escaped with a 105-101 victory. The final margin did not reflect the intensity, missed chances, and late possessions that decided the game.
Standout performers and key numbers
Grant Williams carried the offense
With starters out, Grant Williams responded. He posted a season-high 20 points, shooting 7-for-10 overall. His long-range touch was sharp, hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Williams also hauled in nine rebounds and chipped in an assist.
Kon Knueppel’s sharpshooting and hustle
Rookie Kon Knueppel added 15 points and nailed 3-of-6 from three. His perimeter makes push him up the rookie three-point charts and his all-out effort caught fans’ attention.
Quick stat summary
- Final score: Rockets 105, Hornets 101.
- Grant Williams: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 7-10 FG, 4-5 3PT.
- Kon Knueppel: 15 points, 3-6 3PT, now with 186 triples this season.
Knueppel’s mentality: grit, hustle, and a Bird-inspired line
Before tip-off, Knueppel explained what fuels his style. He referenced a line attributed to Larry Bird about diving for loose balls instead of standing and watching them go out.
Knueppel summarized his approach like this: if you are competing, give everything and be willing to put your body on the line. That mindset has resonated with the Hornets’ locker room and their fan base.
Rookie three-point race and historical context
Knueppel’s three-point total this season sits at 186 makes. That places him third all-time among rookies.
- He trails Donovan Mitchell by one three-pointer for second place.
- Keegan Murray leads the rookie record list with 206 made threes.
That company underscores how rare it is for a first-year player to shoot at that level from distance.
How the absences shaped the night
The Hornets missed the physical presence and shot creation of Miles Bridges. Moussa Diabate’s suspension also reduced Charlotte’s frontcourt depth and defensive switchability. The team leaned on veterans and rookies to absorb minutes and execute game plans.
Those adjustments produced moments of promise, but they left the roster thinner when late-game possessions mattered most.
Other NBA items fans are watching
- Lonzo Ball calls himself the “scapegoat” after a move from the Cavaliers.
- Spurs’ Mason Plumlee deal hints at another roster shift coming.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Kon Knueppel as “one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen.”
- Carter Bryant explained what happened on his final dunk attempt.
- Tyrese Maxey said he felt less out of place after his second All-Star selection.
- Knueppel commented following a third-place finish in the three-point contest.
