Anunoby And Towns Lead Knicks To Dominant Victory
The New York Knicks (14-6) secured their fourth consecutive victory on Thursday night, dominating the Charlotte Hornets (3-18) 125-101 behind standout performances from OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns. Anunoby scored 25 points, including 15 in a game-changing third quarter, while Towns contributed 27 points and 16 rebounds. Jalen Brunson also chipped in with 24 points, including 19 in the first quarter, to help the Knicks pull away in the second half.
Anunoby Shines in the Third Quarter
Anunoby’s performance was pivotal to New York’s success. The game was tight at halftime, with the Knicks holding just a one-point lead. However, Anunoby exploded in the third quarter, scoring 15 of his 25 points, which ignited a 28-6 run. His defensive presence was also crucial, as he blocked back-to-back 3-point attempts from Charlotte, one on each side of the floor, sending the crowd into a frenzy and giving the Knicks a commanding 93-70 lead. The Hornets couldn’t recover from the onslaught, and New York coasted to victory from there.
Towns Dominates with a Double-Double
Karl-Anthony Towns continued his strong play for the Knicks, contributing 27 points and 16 rebounds. His efforts on both ends of the floor were a key factor in the Knicks’ pull-away performance. Towns’ physicality in the paint, including several consecutive three-point plays, added to the Knicks’ momentum as they expanded their lead. His dunk in traffic and subsequent three-point play was particularly electrifying, helping New York turn a 65-64 lead into a commanding 23-point advantage.
Knicks’ Balanced Scoring
In addition to Anunoby and Towns, the Knicks’ offense was remarkably balanced. Jalen Brunson had 24 points, 19 of which came in the first quarter, while the other Knicks starters also contributed significantly. All five starters scored at least 18 points, showcasing New York’s offensive depth and efficiency. This balanced scoring attack was a major factor in their runaway victory, with each starter playing a crucial role in building a lead that the Hornets couldn’t overcome.
Hornets Struggle with Injuries and Depth
The Hornets’ struggles continued as they suffered their seventh consecutive loss. Missing key players such as LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Tre Mann, Charlotte was already shorthanded. To make matters worse, rookie Tidjane Salaun, who had been showing promise, injured his left ankle in the first quarter and was unable to return. Despite Brandon Miller’s impressive 26-point performance, the Hornets simply couldn’t keep up with the Knicks’ firepower.
Key Moment of the Game
The pivotal moment came in the second half when the Knicks found themselves struggling to score for the first 2.5 minutes of the third quarter. However, Anunoby sparked a surge with back-to-back 3-pointers, followed by Towns converting two three-point plays in quick succession. This 28-6 run effectively put the game out of reach for the Hornets, turning a slim 65-64 lead into a dominant 23-point advantage.
With this victory, the Knicks are starting to hit their stride. After clinching a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, they seem poised for a strong run as they continue to get healthier, with backup big man Precious Achiuwa making his season debut. The Knicks will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Hornets will look to bounce back when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
