Charlotte, N.C., February 20, 2026
In a tightly contested matchup, the Houston Rockets emerged victorious over the Charlotte Hornets with a score of 105-101. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 35 points, including critical free throws in the closing moments. Despite a strong start from the Hornets, Houston demonstrated resilience, overcoming an 11-point deficit. Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Reed Sheppard also played pivotal roles in the Rockets’ success. This win enhances Houston’s standing as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Charlotte, N.C.
In a thrilling encounter following the All-Star break, the Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought 105-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. The win was largely propelled by a dominant performance from Kevin Durant, who scored a game-high 35 points, including crucial free throws in the final seconds to seal the outcome.
The Rockets demonstrated resilience, overcoming an 11-point deficit early in the game to claim their fifth consecutive road win and their fourth straight victory in Charlotte. This result also allowed Houston to split the season series with the Hornets.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
Durant’s stellar 35-point outing was characterized by efficient shooting, hitting 14 of 20 attempts from the field. He was particularly impactful in the fourth quarter, contributing 10 points during the decisive period. His ability to make high-pressure shots was evident when he hit a mid-range jumper to beat the shot clock with 44 seconds remaining and then sank two free throws with just 3.2 seconds left, extending Houston’s lead and securing the win.
Beyond Durant, the Rockets received significant contributions from other players. Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds, showcasing a strong all-around effort. Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard each chipped in 13 points. Sengun made key plays in the fourth quarter, including a spinning reverse layup and a baby hook shot on consecutive possessions, which helped the Rockets establish their largest lead of 95-84 with five minutes left in the game.
The Hornets, despite entering the break with an impressive record of 11 wins in their last 12 games, put up a strong fight. Grant Williams led Charlotte with 20 points, while Brandon Miller contributed 17 points, though he struggled from beyond the arc, making only 1 of 12 three-point attempts. LaMelo Ball, playing just a day after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte, managed 11 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. Rookie Kon Knueppel, known for his three-point shooting, hit two crucial three-pointers late in the game, cutting the deficit to 103-101 with six seconds remaining.
Momentum Swings and Defensive Stands
The game featured significant momentum shifts. Charlotte started strong, building an 11-point lead early in the second quarter. However, Houston’s defense tightened, particularly leading to an 18-4 run late in the first half, which helped them erase the deficit and take a one-point lead by halftime. The Rockets recorded eight blocked shots in the first half, highlighting their defensive intensity. This defensive surge, combined with timely offensive execution, allowed the Rockets to control the latter stages of the game, even as the Hornets mounted late-game rallies.
The Rockets’ victory improves their season record to 34-20. The Hornets’ loss drops their record to 26-30 for the season.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will quickly turn their attention to upcoming matchups. The Houston Rockets are scheduled to play the New York Knicks on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the Houston Rockets vs. Charlotte Hornets game?
- The Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105-101.
- Who was the leading scorer for the Houston Rockets?
- Kevin Durant led the Houston Rockets with 35 points.
- What was Kevin Durant’s role in the final moments of the game?
- Kevin Durant made two free throws with 3.2 seconds left for the last of his 35 points, securing the win for the Houston Rockets.
- Did the Charlotte Hornets have a strong start to the game?
- Yes, the Charlotte Hornets jumped out to a strong start and led by as many as 11 points early in the second quarter.
- Who were the other key contributors for the Houston Rockets?
- Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points, and Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun each had 13 points for the Houston Rockets.
- Who led the scoring for the Charlotte Hornets?
- Grant Williams led the Charlotte Hornets with 20 points.
- What was LaMelo Ball’s performance like in the game?
- LaMelo Ball had 11 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds for the Charlotte Hornets, playing a day after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte.
- What is the Houston Rockets’ record after this win?
- The Houston Rockets improved their season record to 34-20.
- What is the Charlotte Hornets’ record after this loss?
- The Charlotte Hornets’ season record dropped to 26-30.
Game Summary: Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Outcome | Houston Rockets (105) defeated Charlotte Hornets (101) |
| Date of Event | Thursday night, February 19, 2026 |
| Location | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Houston Rockets Top Scorer | Kevin Durant (35 points) |
| Rockets Key Contributors | Jabari Smith Jr. (15 points), Reed Sheppard (13 points), Alperen Sengun (13 points) |
| Charlotte Hornets Top Scorer | Grant Williams (20 points) |
| Hornets Notable Performances | Brandon Miller (17 points), LaMelo Ball (11 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds) |
| Game Dynamics | Rockets overcame an 11-point first-half deficit |
| Rockets Season Record | 34-20 |
| Hornets Season Record | 26-30 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LaMelo Ball Involved in Two-Car Collision in Charlotte
LaMelo Ball Involved in Car Collision in Uptown Charlotte
LaMelo Ball Involved in Two-Car Accident in Charlotte
LaMelo Ball Involved in Two-Car Collision in Uptown
LaMelo Ball Involved in Car Crash in Downtown Charlotte
Hornets Extend Historic Winning Streak to Nine Games
Hornets Extend Winning Streak with Victory Over Rockets
Chris Paul Hints at Retirement as He Makes Homecoming to Charlotte
Charlotte Teams Shine in Holiday Basketball Tournaments
NBA Trade Rumors Surrounding Jimmy Butler Intensify as Heat Explore Options
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
