BOSTON, Mass. — March 4, 2026 — The Charlotte Hornets continued their remarkable midseason run Wednesday night with a convincing 118–89 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The blowout win marked Charlotte’s sixth straight victory and further cemented the team’s transformation into one of the NBA’s hottest teams since the start of 2026. (ESPN.com)
Charlotte controlled the game from the opening quarter and never allowed Boston to establish any rhythm, delivering one of the Celtics’ most lopsided losses of the season.
Condensed Game Highlights
Hornets Set the Tone Early
Charlotte wasted little time asserting control. Behind early scoring from LaMelo Ball and sharp shooting across the lineup, the Hornets jumped out to an early double-digit lead and never looked back.
Ball knocked down two early three-pointers as Charlotte’s defense suffocated Boston’s offense, holding the Celtics to extended scoring droughts in the first half. By halftime the Hornets had built a commanding lead and continued to pile on in the third quarter. (atthehive.com)
Boston struggled mightily offensively, shooting just 38% from the field, while Charlotte’s balanced attack continued to stretch the lead throughout the second half. (nbcsportsboston.com)
Stars of the Game
Charlotte’s victory was fueled by contributions across the roster:
- Kon Knueppel – 20 points to lead all Hornets scorers. (ESPN.com)
- LaMelo Ball – 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, directing the offense and pushing the tempo. (youtube.com)
- Brandon Miller – 18 points, continuing his impressive scoring stretch. (Sportsnet.ca)
- Coby White – Added timely scoring and perimeter shooting to keep Boston at bay.
Charlotte also dominated from long range, knocking down 19 three-pointers, while Boston’s offense stalled repeatedly throughout the game. (nbcsportsboston.com)
For Boston, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but the Celtics struggled to generate consistent offense against Charlotte’s defensive pressure. (CelticsBlog)
Hornets’ 2026 Surge Continues
What makes Wednesday’s win even more impressive is the larger context of Charlotte’s run. Since the calendar flipped to 2026, the Hornets have become one of the NBA’s hottest teams:
- 6 consecutive wins after the victory in Boston
- 16 wins in their last 19 games
- Multiple victories by double-digit margins during the streak (nbcsportsboston.com)
Charlotte has also been dominant away from home, extending its road success with its 10th straight road victory during this stretch. (hornets.com)
The combination of youth, shooting, and improved defensive intensity has quickly turned the Hornets from a rebuilding team into a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
Postgame Reaction
Hornets head coach Charles Lee praised his team’s effort and chemistry following the win.
“Our guys are playing with confidence and trusting each other. When we defend and move the ball like we did tonight, we’re a tough team to beat.”
Ball echoed that sentiment after another dominant performance:
“We’re just locked in right now. Everybody’s playing together, sharing the ball and having fun.”
What’s Next
With momentum building and confidence growing, Charlotte’s surge is beginning to turn heads across the league. If the Hornets continue playing at this level, their remarkable 2026 run could carry them deep into the Eastern Conference playoff race.
For now, though, Wednesday’s 118-89 statement win over Boston sends a clear message:
The Hornets are no longer just a feel-good story — they’re becoming a serious problem for the rest of the NBA.
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