Knicks edge Hornets in a 99-98 nail-biter, stay undefeated in the NBA Cup

The New York Knicks narrowly escaped with a 99-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in a dramatic finish.

Jalen Brunson, who scored a game-high 31 points, delivered in the clutch, sinking five crucial free throws in the final minute. His efforts helped the Knicks overcome a spirited Hornets team, despite being pushed to the brink by a shorthanded roster.

With just over a minute remaining, a pivotal moment came when officials called a kicked ball violation against Charlotte, giving New York possession. On the ensuing play, Brunson drew a foul on a three-pointer and converted two of three free throws to stretch the lead to 96-90.

Brunson wasn’t done. He added three more free throws in the final minute, enough to hold off a late Hornets surge capped by a Josh Green corner three at the buzzer.

“We came out really soft, made some runs, and then they made some shots where it looked like they just were going to get away from us. We kept fighting and found a way to get a win. So a win is a win and we learn from it.”

– Jalen Brunson

Despite facing a Hornets squad missing stars LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, the Knicks struggled to impose their will. The game started sluggishly for New York, managing just 15 points in the first quarter while Charlotte built an early lead. The Knicks briefly took a 46-45 lead in the closing seconds of the first half but entered the locker room trailing by one.

The back-and-forth nature of the game continued into the second half. The Knicks grabbed a 71-69 lead late in the third quarter with a Josh Hart three-pointer, only for the Hornets to respond and reclaim the advantage heading into the final frame. Early in the fourth, Charlotte pushed ahead 82-76, but the Knicks countered with a crucial 14-3 run to take control.

Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a solid 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Josh Hart added a double-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Miles McBride provided a spark off the bench with 14 points.

For Charlotte, rookie Brandon Miller led the way with 20 points, supported by Josh Green’s 15 and Tidjane Salaun’s 14.

With the win, the Knicks improved to 3-0 in the NBA In-Season Cup, joining the Orlando Magic as the only undefeated teams in East Group A. The stage is now set for a high-stakes showdown on December 3rd, where the two teams will battle for the top spot and automatic advancement to the quarterfinals.

Up-next: The Knicks (11-8) will return to Madison Square Garden to host the Pelicans (4-16) on Sunday from 5:00 pm