The New York Knicks faced the depleted Charlotte Hornets for the second time in a week on Thursday, but this game was a far cry from last week’s edition, with New York crushing Charlotte 125-101. The Knicks have won four straight games and are now 14-8, while the Hornets have lost their seventh straight game and are now 6-16.
The Knicks were without Cameron Payne for this game as he is dealing with an elbow injury, but this game also marked the long-awaited return of Precious Achiuwa, who made her season debut after missing the first 21 games of the season with a hamstring strain. Achiuwa had two points and four rebounds in 11 minutes off the bench.
This game started slowly for the Knicks, with the Hornets opening the game on a 16-4 run. The Knicks would rally with 19 first-quarter points from Jalen Brunson and enter halftime with a three-point lead.
The third quarter would see an offensive explosion from the Knicks, who outscored the Hornets 38-16 and shot 11-of-20 from the field and 6-of-7 from three in the period. New York would increase its lead to 28 and enter the fourth quarter with a 25-point lead, a lead they would not relinquish.
All five starters once again scored in double figures for the Knicks, including three with 20 points or more. Brunson finished with 24 points, Towns had his NBA-leading 19th double-double of the season with 27 points and 16 rebounds, and OG Anunoby chipped in with 25 points.
The overall offense continues to be a juggernaut. The defense still needs improvement, as it allowed the Hornets to hit 15 threes. However, once they understand how it works on that end of the floor, the Knicks will become a force to be reckoned with.