Hornets dominate Celtics 118-89 in Boston on March 4, extending streak and tightening East race

Charlotte controls game from opening minutes at TD Garden

The Charlotte Hornets delivered one of their most decisive road performances of the season on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, leading wire-to-wire in a 118-89 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The result extended Charlotte’s winning streak to six games and halted Boston’s three-game run, with the Celtics’ record moving to 41-21 and the Hornets improving to 32-31.

Charlotte set the tone immediately, jumping to an 8-0 start while Boston missed its first eight shots. By the end of the first quarter, the Hornets had already built separation (35-23), and they carried a 70-43 lead into halftime.

Knueppel leads balanced Hornets scoring; Charlotte protects the ball

Rookie Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 20 points. Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball added 18 points apiece, while Coby White contributed 17 points and six assists. Charlotte’s advantage was reinforced by ball security: the Hornets committed only five turnovers, while Boston’s 16 giveaways were converted into 21 Charlotte points.

From a shot-profile standpoint, Charlotte’s perimeter volume stood out. The Hornets attempted 49 three-pointers and made 19, while also finishing efficiently at the line (17-of-21). The Celtics, by contrast, struggled to generate consistent offense, shooting 38% overall (30-of-79) and 28% from three (10-of-36).

Boston’s offensive burden falls to Derrick White and Jaylen Brown

Derrick White paced Boston with 29 points, and Jaylen Brown posted 20 points and 11 rebounds. Still, the Celtics could not reverse early momentum. Charlotte’s lead reached 29 points, and the visitors maintained control through all four quarters (35-23, 29-20, 27-25, 27-21).

What the outcome signals going forward

The win pushed Charlotte above .500 and underscored the team’s recent surge, while Boston’s performance reflected the costs that can come with compressed scheduling and turnover-heavy play against a team generating high-volume three-point attempts.

• Final score: Hornets 118, Celtics 89 (March 4, 2026)
• Charlotte: 19 made threes; five turnovers
• Boston: 38% shooting; 16 turnovers
• Top scorers: Knueppel 20 (CHA); Derrick White 29 (BOS)

Charlotte never trailed and established control early, turning turnovers and perimeter shooting into a lopsided road win.

The teams are scheduled to meet again later this month in Charlotte on March 29, with another matchup set for April 7 in Boston.