The New York Knicks achieved their seventh consecutive victory with a 113-92 victory over the Charlotte Hornets during Monday’s NBA action. This victory was particularly notable as it was achieved in the absence of Julius Randle, who recently suffered a shoulder injury.
Leading the charge for the Knicks was Jalen Brunson, who delivered an impressive 32 points. Donte DiVincenzo also played a pivotal role, contributing 28 points to the team’s win. Their efforts helped the Knicks, now standing at 30-17, maintain their position as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
“It’s definitely a plus when you can win on the road no matter who is on the court,” Brunson said. “Obviously we are going to miss him, but we have to continue to find ways to get better every single day no matter who is out there, no matter who we are playing. Just have that mindset every single day.”
Josh Hart made a significant impact for the Knicks with 12 rebounds, eight points, and seven assists. Their success was achieved despite missing several players, including OG Anunoby, Evan Fournier, and Mitchell Robinson, due to various reasons.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Brandon Miller led with 29 points on the Hornets’ side, and Miles Bridges added 21 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Hornets, now with a record of 10-35, are struggling, having not won a game since trading Terry Rozier. Newly acquired Kyle Lowry has yet to play for the team, which is considering future options for him.
Julius Randle’s absence due to a shoulder injury was a notable challenge for the Knicks, but Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau did not provide an update before the game. Despite this setback, the team showed resilience and adaptability.
Brunson’s performance was especially stellar in the third quarter, where he scored 15 points, and DiVincenzo added 12, helping the Knicks to build a substantial lead. Their efforts were acknowledged by the enthusiastic crowd, who cheered and showed support for the team.
“He’s a tough cover, man,” Martin said. “He’s really mastered his footwork. When he gets into the paint, not only can he score the ball, but he’s a floor general. He knows the reads, he knows what to look for, and he makes his team better. It allows his whole team to play with a lot of confidence.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets faced challenges not just in their gameplay but also with their lineup, missing key players like LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward due to injuries.
The game’s turning point came in the second half when the Knicks improved their 3-point shooting dramatically, which played a crucial role in extending their lead. The Knicks’ strategy and execution, particularly in the third quarter, were pivotal in securing their victory.
“We need that, we obviously need the volume 3s,” Thibodeau said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Hornets coach Steve Clifford was ejected in the fourth quarter for vehemently contesting a non-call, reflecting the mounting frustration within the team.
“He got hit in the face. To me, they’ve got to see that,” Clifford said. “Again, you don’t want to get kicked out of the game. That doesn’t help anything. Handling frustration is a big part of this league, even when you’re a really good team, and in a situation like this, it’s critical that we all do it. That starts with me, so I can’t be doing that.”
Looking ahead, the Knicks are set to host the Utah Jazz, while the Hornets will conclude their homestand against the Chicago Bulls.
