Last Friday, the New York Knicks (14-8) completed a five-game road trip in Charlotte, narrowly escaping with a 99-98 victory. Tonight at Madison Square Garden, we expected the Knicks, who are riding a three-game winning streak, to fare better against the LaMelo-less Charlotte Hornets (6-16), who are riding a six-game losing streak.

It didn’t start out great. The Hornets dominated early, powered by Vasilije Micic and Brandon Miller, building a 20-7 run. They led 32-30 by the end of the first quarter, although Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 19 points. New York rallied in the second quarter, powered by Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, to take a 65-62 halftime lead. The Knicks dominated the third quarter with a 38-14 run highlighted by OG Anunoby’s incredible defense and scoring prowess, and despite a brief lead from Seth Curry in the final frame, New York easily secured their fourth straight win, 125- 101.

Karl-Anthony Towns started slowly but finished with another monster game: 27 points, 16 boards and two blocks in 39 minutes. He made nine of 15 shots, hit two three-pointers and was 7 of 9 from the stripe. That’s 19 double-doubles in 21 games for the big man.

Quote Jaybugkit: “OG WILL BLOCK EVERYTHING.” Anunoby is an alien. Tonight, the Knicks’ supernatural wing finished the game with 25 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks in 40 minutes. He shot 10 of 18 from the floor and 3 of 4 from deep. Worth every penny.

Jalen Brunson suffered a back injury in the third quarter but still scored 24 points and five assists in his 27 minutes. Josh Hart was just as freaky as OG with his 18-point, 10-board double-double, hitting 4 of 6 from deep. Six assists for him too. Rounding out the starters was Bridges, who collected 19 points, a season-high seven assists and a steal on 7 of 15 shooting. He played 47 minutes tonight and only sat out of hesitant consideration for garbage time.

For Charlotte, Brandon Miller finished the game with 26 points and six rebounds. Vasilije Micic added a double-double at 14-12 and Seth Curry scored 18 points with the game largely out of reach.

First half

The Hornets started with an 11-2 run, while the Knicks committed two early turnovers and were uncharacteristically fumbled. Brandon Miller contributed to Charlotte’s strong start, scoring eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, including a driving dunk and four rebounds. Despite three turnovers by Nick Richards, the Hornets controlled much of the quarter and increased the momentum with their 20:7 run.

The Knicks responded late, scoring eight unanswered points in the final minute, capped by Jalen Brunson’s three-pointer. This reduced the deficit to 32:30 by the end of the first quarter. Brunson led New York with a career-high 19 points in the first quarter, hitting 4 of 4 from distance, while Miller led Charlotte with 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting.

The Hornets went on a 10-2 run early in the second quarter, led by Vasilije Micic’s scoring and playmaking, to take a 45-37 lead. Josh Hart kept New York in the game by hitting 3 of 4 from three-point range and contributing 15 points by the midpoint of the quarter. The Knicks responded with a 14-6 run to tie the game at 53, powered by Mikal Bridges, who scored eight points on perfect shooting in the period.

At halftime, New York had turned the score around and went into the break with a 65-62 lead despite problems with interior defense and pick-and-roll defense. Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson were on fire from beyond the arc, combining to shoot 8 of 9 from long range and scoring 37 points. However, Charlotte had outscored New York by seven points, with Brandon Miller leading the Hornets with 16 points and Nick Richards chipping in with eight points. More basketball after the break!

Second half

The Knicks began the third quarter with a 9-0 run that extended their lead to 74-64. Karl-Anthony Towns’ block and OG Anunoby’s three-pointer made the stretch clear, and here’s KAT showing you what you love:

From the nine-minute mark, New York went on a 38-14 run to end the quarter. OG Anunoby was otherworldly during this stretch. He blocked two three-point attempts on the same Charlotte possession, then gave Brandon Miller the game-winner and then made a three of his own. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that OG is sleeping in a cryogenic chamber and vacationing on Jupiter:

New York took a 103-78 lead in the fourth frame. Seth Curry tried to make a comeback with several shots (14 points in the fourth quarter) and reduced the deficit to 20. During this stretch, our heroes missed two shots and committed a turnover; Perhaps fatigue was setting in as all starters except Brunson logged 40 or more minutes. Brunson suffered a blow to his lower back in the third quarter and after retreating to the locker room, he returned to the bench but did not play in the game. No matter – the Knicks get the win, their fourth win in a row.

Notes

• Precious Achiuwa missed the first 21 games of the season. Tonight, due to the minute restriction, he finished the game with two points, four balls, two turnovers and one assist in 12 minutes. I’m glad to have him back! Now to Mitch. . . .
• Only four times in franchise history have the Knicks had five players score 20 or more points in a game. Tonight they were three points short.
• Sophomore Brandon Miller attempted 12 three-pointers tonight. His personal record is 13 (March 2024, against Clippers).
• Miles McBride Three-Point Tracker: He shot 2 of 4 tonight and is now 32 of 78.

Next

The Pistons come to town on Saturday. Enjoy your Friday night off, Knickerbockers.

Box score