The intense matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks featured the returns of Trae Young and LaMelo Ball. The Hornets leaned into that energy and never let go. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 133–126, riding early alley-oops from LaMelo Ball to Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges that flipped the night and sealed back-to-back wins. LaMelo Ball missed three games with a left wrist sprain, but his return felt immediate. Against the Hawks, the Hornets played fast, confident, and loud, with Ball setting the tone through vision that changed the game in seconds.
The defining stretch came midway through the third quarter. LaMelo drifted near halfcourt, scanning the floor as the defense hesitated. He lifted a perfect lob to Brandon Miller, who rose clean and finished strong, adding to an already impressive night. The Hawks responded with a quick Dyson Daniels dunk, hoping to slow the surge. It didn’t work. On the next possession, Mason Plumlee’s misdirection pulled defenders out of position. Miles Bridges cut hard to the rim. LaMelo delivered again. Another alley-oop. Another slam. The Hawks immediately called timeout as the Hornets bench erupted.
LAMELO TO MILLER.
LAMELO TO MILES.LAMELO PUTTING ON A SHOW IN HIS RETURN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/VOD4Dw4iuF
— NBA (@NBA) December 19, 2025
Why this win matters for the Hornets
Still, the highlights grabbed attention, but the performance sustained it. LaMelo Ball finished with 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting, burying 8-of-11 from three. Along the way, he added 13 assists, four rebounds, and full command of the offense. The wrist held up. More importantly, the rhythm never broke.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller continued his steady rise, attacking space and finishing plays with confidence. At the same time, Miles Bridges brought speed and force, punishing defensive lapses and keeping pressure constant. Together, the trio controlled tempo and stretched Atlanta’s coverage.
As a result, the win followed Charlotte’s previous victory over the Cavaliers, giving the Hornets back-to-back momentum. With that, they now sit at 9–18, No. 12 in the East. On the other side, the Hawks dropped to 15–13, sliding to No. 9 after failing to contain Charlotte early.
Now, LaMelo Ball is back. The Hornets are finding their edge again. And if this chemistry keeps building, how loud can this run get?
