Without LaMelo, Hornets Fall to Knicks in Blowout, 115-91
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was a night of dashed hopes for the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday when they lost to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in what steadily bloomed into a blowout, 115-91. Valiant bursts from P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward and even Bryce McGowens showed true zeal. But in the end, it wasn't enough to mount a comeback after trailing for the duration.
Though the Hornets came close — within just a point — in one fleeting third-quarter moment. Still, as heartbreaking as it is, the unsurprising part here is the hearty loss in the absence of Hornets star LaMelo Ball, the point guard and leader newly besieged with another ankle issue. Question marks surround his immediate playing future. In his place, we got the return of James Bouknight in garbage time.
In a flash, the Hornets fell to 17-6 halfway through the first quarter before ending the first half 53-44. Playing with no true center at times due to the sudden rotation shift, Charlotte couldn't keep up with the aggressive moves of Knickerbockers such as Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett, who combined for 28 New York points in the first half alone. The Knicks led by 22 to start the fourth quarter.
This was the Hornets' final game in the group play stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament. At this point, they're 1-3 in tournament play. They would've had to win tonight to even have an outside shot at a wild card spot.
Best of the Night: P.J. Washington
Washington came out on fire in the third quarter, shortening the score within four, even though the effort didn't bring it home. In that Q3 run, after subbing in for Bridges, P.J. made two three-pointers and a layup. In the end, off the bench, Washington ended with 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists on the night.
Injury Update
Ball was downgraded from doubtful to out just before game time on Tuesday. Brandon Miller left the game late in the second quarter with a left ankle sprain, but he returned after the half.
Up Next: The Hornets go from the loss in Manhattan to the borough of Brooklyn to play the Nets on Thursday (Nov. 30) at 7:30 PM EST.
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