Jalen Brunson poured in 33 points as the New York Knicks handed the Charlotte Hornets a 129-101 loss on Wednesday night at the Spectrum Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns added a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Hart contributed 22 points as New York improved to 11-6 overall and 3-1 in NBA Cup group play.
The Knicks bolted to a 25-point halftime lead, shooting 64% from the field and with all five starters in double figures, leaving little doubt about the outcome early.
Brunson’s relentless offense forced LaMelo Ball to the bench in the third quarter with four fouls, limiting Charlotte’s playmaker to just 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting.
Hart scored 19 of his 22 points in the first half, helping New York build a dominant lead that coach Mike Brown didn’t fully relieve until the final two minutes of the game.
Miles McBride chipped in 19 points, making all five of his three-point attempts, while the Knicks collectively went 13-of-26 from beyond the arc and 16-of-18 from the free-throw line.
Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 18 points in his second game back from a shoulder injury, but the Hornets fell to 4-14, marking their seventh straight loss and confirming their elimination from this year’s NBA Cup.
New York’s defense forced 26 turnovers and held Charlotte to just 41% shooting from the field, maintaining control throughout the fourth quarter to secure the 28-point margin.
The Knicks now turn their attention to Friday’s NBA Cup matchup at home against the Milwaukee Bucks, while Charlotte hosts the Chicago Bulls, hoping to regroup after a difficult stretch.
