Knicks Dominate Hornets in Decisive Victory
In a decisive victory, the New York Knicks dominated the Charlotte Hornets with a score of 129-101 on Wednesday evening, showcasing a remarkable offensive performance. The game opened with both teams displaying impressive shooting, but it was Josh Hart who truly shone during the initial quarter.
First Quarter Highlights
Starting his second game of the season, Hart delivered an exhilarating performance, netting 11 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting in just eight minutes of play, complemented by a steal and an assist—setting the tone for the Knicks.
The Knicks’ starters all contributed significantly in the initial frame, with Jalen Brunson scoring nine points, Karl-Anthony Towns five, Mikal Bridges six, and Miles McBride contributing five, combining for an impressive total of 37 points while shooting an excellent 75 percent (15-of-20) from the field. Mitchell Robinson added depth off the bench with three rebounds in four minutes as some of the bench players like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele also featured.
The Hornets matched the Knicks’ intensity in the first quarter, with Collin Sexton leading their scoring efforts with seven points from the bench, while LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges added five points each. After the first quarter, the Knicks held a narrow lead at 37-31.
Second Quarter Surge
As the second quarter unfolded, scoring pace diminished slightly, with both teams struggling from the field initially, going 3-for-11. However, the Knicks steadily built their lead, thanks in part to Brunson’s and-one play which extended the lead to 15 points with just over three minutes left in the half. In the closing moments of the half, the Knicks went on an explosive 15-2 run, punctuated by three-pointers from Brunson and Hart—who finished with a remarkable 19 points at halftime, leading to a comfortable 72-47 scoreline at the break.
Second Half Performance
The second half saw the Knicks maintain their dominance, as Brunson took ownership of the offensive flow, scoring 16 points during the third quarter. Though his shooting performance was not flawless (14-for-28 overall), he concluded the evening with a team-high 33 points. Meanwhile, Hart, after a stellar first half, played a supporting role, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Towns recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Bridges and McBride added 18 and 19 points, respectively.
Overall Team Efficiency
The Knicks’ offensive efficiency was remarkable, finishing the night shooting 57 percent overall, including 52 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line, marking one of their most impressive offensive outings of the season, especially on the road. This win represented only their third road victory, bringing their away game record to 3-5, and improving their NBA Cup group stage record to 2-1.
Looking Ahead
Hart was recognized as the standout player of the match, instrumental in allowing the Knicks to build a significant halftime lead.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will return to Madison Square Garden after a five-game road stretch to face the Milwaukee Bucks in their final NBA Cup group stage match-up on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.
