Jalen Brunson delivered a standout performance with 31 points, including two clutch free throws in the final seconds, as the New York Knicks edged the Charlotte Hornets 99-98.
The Knicks (11-8) improved to 3-0 in NBA Cup group play, while the shorthanded Hornets fell to 6-13 overall.
Brunson’s decisive free throws with 8.6 seconds left secured the victory after New York battled through a sloppy start. The Knicks committed eight first-quarter turnovers and scored only 15 points, trailing a Charlotte team missing key players, including LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks. Despite the win, New York fell short of its goal of a blowout victory to improve its point differential in Group A, where the Orlando Magic currently lead.
The Hornets’ Brandon Miller scored a team-high 20 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 7 of 25 from the field and 2 of 11 from beyond the arc. Josh Green added 15 points and delivered critical plays, including a jumper and a steal leading to a buzzer-beater to close the first half.
Josh Hart provided a boost with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while Miles McBride added 14 points off the bench. Towns and Hart combined for 24 rebounds, helping New York hold a 44-39 advantage on the boards.
For the Hornets, rookie Moussa Diabate grabbed 11 rebounds, while Cody Martin scored nine points and handed out five assists off the bench. Despite solid contributions, Charlotte couldn’t overcome the absence of multiple starters and key reserves.
The Knicks’ defense held the Hornets to 40.4% shooting, including 31.9% from three-point range. However, New York’s 19 turnovers nearly allowed Charlotte to steal the game late. Hornets guard Vasilije Micic missed a contested three-pointer at the buzzer that would have given his team the win.
The Knicks now await the outcome of the Magic’s game against the Brooklyn Nets to assess their NBA Cup standing. New York needs a strong showing in its final group-stage matchup to maximize its chances of advancing.
