Mike Brown highlighted his team’s defensive effort after the New York Knicks cruised past the Charlotte Hornets 129-101 Wednesday at the Spectrum Center.
“I tell you what, our guys, it’s two pretty good defensive efforts in a row on the road,” Brown said, noting that New York limited Charlotte to just nine fast-break points and held the Hornets to nine offensive rebounds.
Brown singled out Mikal Bridges as the defensive player of the game, citing his three steals, two blocks, and multiple deflections as key to the team’s success.
Offensively, Brown emphasized the Knicks’ dominance in the paint, where they scored 64 points, and credited Karl-Anthony Towns’ effort on offensive rebounds that set up critical plays in the second half.
“All five starters in double figures by halftime with a 25-point lead,” Brown said, praising the team’s balance and noting Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Miles McBride all contributed significantly to the early advantage.
Brown also addressed lineup flexibility, explaining the decision to start Mitchell Robinson with the second unit while maintaining fluid rotations to maximize team performance.
On individual contributions, Brown highlighted Towns’ ability to move around the floor and create scoring opportunities from multiple positions, adding that patience and belief in the process have been crucial to the team’s execution.
“Belief in each other and in the process is just as big,” Brown said, underlining the Knicks’ focus on connectivity and accountability as the season progresses.
Brunson led all scorers with 33 points, while Towns posted 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Hart added 22. Miles McBride hit all five of his three-point attempts for 19 points.
Charlotte was led by Brandon Miller with 18 points, but the Hornets were limited to 41% shooting and forced into 26 turnovers, marking their seventh consecutive loss and confirming their elimination from NBA Cup contention.
The Knicks now turn to a home matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, while Charlotte hosts the Chicago Bulls as they aim to regroup.
