OG Anunoby put on a show Thursday night, scoring 25 points—including 15 in a decisive third quarter—and delivering back-to-back blocks that electrified the home crowd, leading the New York Knicks to a commanding 125-101 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
With their fourth consecutive victory, the Knicks appear to be hitting their stride.
Karl-Anthony Towns anchored the Knicks with 27 points and 16 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Jalen Brunson added 24 points, exploding for 19 in the first quarter to help New York build an early lead. The Knicks are now riding a wave of momentum as they push further up the Eastern Conference standings.
Anunoby’s third-quarter heroics were pivotal. With the Knicks clinging to a narrow one-point lead early in the second half, his scoring outburst sparked a 28-6 run. His consecutive blocks on opposite ends of the court capped the surge, prompting chants of “OG! OG!” from the Madison Square Garden crowd. By the end of the run, New York led 93-70, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The Hornets, struggling without key players LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Tre Mann, dropped their seventh straight game. Brandon Miller tried to keep Charlotte competitive, leading his team with 26 points, but the Hornets couldn’t overcome their depleted roster or New York’s balanced attack.
Takeaways from the Game
Hornets: Charlotte entered the game shorthanded, and their misfortunes continued when rookie Tidjane Salaun, coming off his first career double-double, exited in the first quarter with a sprained left ankle. The Hornets’ lack of depth and defensive breakdowns made it a tough night against a surging Knicks squad.
Knicks: New York is peaking at the right time. Fresh off a dominant performance against Orlando to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, the team looked just as sharp Thursday. The return of Precious Achiuwa, who made his season debut after missing 21 games with a strained hamstring, further boosts the Knicks’ rotation.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Key Moments
The Knicks stumbled briefly at the start of the second half, going scoreless for over two and a half minutes. Anunoby then ignited the offense with two 3-pointers, while Towns followed up with consecutive three-point plays, including a thunderous dunk in traffic. This stretch flipped a tight 65-64 game into a comfortable 93-70 lead, erasing any doubt about the outcome.
Key Stat
The Knicks displayed remarkable balance in their offense, with all five starters scoring at least 18 points. This cohesion, combined with their defensive tenacity, underscores why they’ve been so difficult to beat during their current streak.
What’s Next?
The Knicks will host Detroit on Saturday, seeking their 17th straight win against the Pistons. Meanwhile, Charlotte will face Cleveland, hoping to snap their seven-game skid and regain some momentum in what has been a challenging season.
With their depth, defensive prowess, and consistent offensive production, the Knicks are emerging as a force in the East. For the Hornets, the focus shifts to staying competitive while awaiting the return of key contributors.
