The Charlotte Hornets spoiled the New York Knicks’ seven-game winning streak with a 114-103 win on Thursday night.
Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 26 points and six three-pointers, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 250 in a season.
The 20-year-old rookie nearly had his first career triple-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and eight assists.
LaMelo Ball added 22 points, and Brandon Miller had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets, who’ve won five straight. Miles Bridges and Coby White each chipped in with 17 points.
On the other hand, Jalen Brunson had 26 points and 13 assists for the Knicks, who would have clinched a playoff berth with a victory.
OG Anunoby added 17 points in a game that featured a high-intensity postseason atmosphere.
The Hornets pulled into a tie with the Heat for eighth place in the East.
Ball started strong for Charlotte with 10 points in the first six minutes to have a 24-14 edge.
New York was able to close the gap behind 17 first-quarter points from Brunson, but the Hornets took command late in the second quarter and pushed the lead to 10 at halftime with a series of threes from Knueppel, Ball, and Miller
Grant Williams sank a three-pointer to help the Hornets own the second half, putting them up 94-76 entering the fourth quarter.
Up next: the Knicks visit the Thunder on Sunday, while the Hornets host the 76ers on Saturday.
