Celtics Rout Hornets 119-80 in NBA Cup
Boston led by as many as 46 points in its NBA Cup Group C win at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball
The Boston Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets 119-80 on Friday night in an NBA Cup Group C game at Spectrum Center. Boston led by as many as 46 points and recorded a season-high 33 assists on 38 made baskets.
Why it matters
The lopsided win highlights Boston's ball movement and efficiency in a group-stage game. Sam Hauser's ball security in particular stood out, as he has avoided turnovers at an elite rate.
Sam Hauser is averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 40.8 percent and 5.4 threes per game this season. His team's net rating is 19.4 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, though the sample size for the current season is limited.
The players
Sam Hauser
Sam Hauser is a Boston Celtics forward known for his three-point shooting and low-turnover play.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are an NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a longtime contender in the league.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are an NBA franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The details
Boston pulled away early and extended its lead to 46 points at its peak. Hauser delivered a one-handed pass to a cutting Derrick White and recorded three second-quarter assists, while the Celtics as a team converted 38 baskets off 33 assists.
Timeline
Friday night: Celtics defeat Hornets 119-80 in NBA Cup Group C game at Spectrum Center.
Last season: Hauser turned the ball over on 5.7 percent of possessions.
Season Trajectory
The win is an early result in the NBA Cup group stage, where Boston's margin and efficiency could matter for seeding within Group C. It also reflects Boston's continued emphasis on ball movement and low-turnover play that have defined its recent roster construction.
The result affects how Group C standings take shape early in the NBA Cup, which can influence which teams advance from the group. For fantasy managers, Hauser's rate of avoiding turnovers and his per-game averages are the key numbers to track.
The takeaway
Boston's win shows how a team can build a large lead through shared ball movement and efficient shooting. Readers following the NBA Cup can watch how these early margins shape group standings.
Further reading
For more Celtics coverage, see Boston Basketball on Wisevoter.
