Jalen Brunson once again proved his worth as the New York Knicks’ closer, delivering 31 points and a pair of clutch free throws with 8.6 seconds remaining to seal a hard-fought 99-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in NBA Cup action.
The win keeps the Knicks perfect in Group A play, improving to 3-0 as they chase a coveted spot in the knockout stage.
Brunson’s heroics came on a night when the Knicks needed every ounce of his scoring touch. Despite facing a shorthanded Hornets team missing key starters LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams, the Knicks stumbled out of the gate, committing eight turnovers in a disjointed first quarter and managing just 15 points.
While Brunson shouldered the scoring load, Karl-Anthony Towns provided a steadying presence, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Towns’ inside-out versatility helped the Knicks claw back after a sluggish start that left them trailing for most of the game.
The Hornets, despite their depleted roster, gave the Knicks all they could handle. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 20 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 7-of-25 from the field and 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. Josh Green chipped in 15 points and made several big plays, including a pivotal jumper and a steal in the closing seconds of the first half that kept the Hornets in striking distance.
The Knicks, who entered the game trailing the Orlando Magic in point differential within Group A, were looking for a blowout to strengthen their tiebreaker position. But instead, they found themselves locked in a one-possession battle until the final buzzer.
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The game’s defining moment came with 4:50 left in the fourth quarter when Brunson drained a mid-range jumper to give the Knicks a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. It was vintage Brunson—poised under pressure and decisive when it mattered most.
On the other side, the Hornets missed the offensive firepower of Ball, who sat out with left calf soreness. Ball, averaging an eye-popping 40.3 points over his last four games, was sidelined after experiencing discomfort late in Wednesday’s loss to the Miami Heat. Without their star guard, the Hornets leaned heavily on Miller, whose inefficiency ultimately hampered their upset bid.
While the Knicks’ victory keeps their NBA Cup hopes alive, the performance left much to be desired. Head coach Tom Thibodeau will undoubtedly be addressing the team’s sloppy ball-handling and uninspired start as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup against the Pelicans.
For the Hornets, the loss marked another tough chapter in a season riddled with injuries and absences. Head coach Charles Lee provided no timeline for Ball’s return, leaving Charlotte fans to wonder when their star playmaker will be back on the floor.
Despite the imperfections, the Knicks’ resilience in the face of adversity was evident. Their ability to grind out a win when they weren’t at their best speaks to the team’s growth and the leadership of Brunson, who continues to shine as the heartbeat of this roster.
Looking ahead, New York remains in contention for a spot in the NBA Cup knockout rounds but will need a stronger showing against the Pelicans. Meanwhile, Charlotte hosts the Hawks on Saturday, hoping for better health and a chance to regroup.
In a league where every possession matters, this NBA Cup clash underscored just how razor-thin the margins can be. For now, the Knicks can savor a victory, but they’ll need to clean up their act if they hope to make a serious run in this inaugural tournament.