Kon Knueppel, streaking Hornets handle sputtering Rockets

Rookie Kon Knueppel scored 24 points, LaMelo Ball added 20, and the visiting Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 109-99 win over the sputtering Houston Rockets.

Knueppel finished 8 for 13 overall while Ball drilled five 3-pointers to pace a balanced offensive attack for the Hornets, whose winning streak is the franchise's longest since the 1998-99 season. Three others scored in double figures for Charlotte, which shot 17 for 43 from deep.

Miles Bridges...