Knicks Stomp Shorthanded Hornets 129-107
Summary
The Hornets came to Madison Square Garden after breaking New York's 9 game winning streak last season. Charlotte started the game well, with Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball scoring early, unfortunately Miller left the 1st quarter with an ankle injury. From there New York built on their lead with the Hornets struggling to score without Miller's shot making. LaMelo Ball did his best to keep Charlotte in the game with 21 first half points, but outside of Miller the next highest scoring Hornets player had just 4 points. Nick Richards picked up 4 fouls in just 7 minutes, meaning Charlotte finished the half with JT Thor and Leaky Black in the front court. The unlikley pair spearheaded a late first half run as Charlotte cut the lead to 10, with highlight blocks made by both Black and Thor.
Theo Maledon started the second half in place of Miller, but the Knicks simply had too much talent for the shorthanded Hornets. New York led by up to 23 points and by as little as 15, but eventually built a 30+ point lead. The Knicks were led by Barrett, Randle and Brunson who all had 20+ points. Clifford eventually waived the white flag with 8 minutes remaining putting in Nick Smith Jr and the rest of the bench.
Best of The Night - LaMelo Ball Career High at MSG
LaMelo Ball kept up his hot recent run with 32 points 7 rebounds and 6 assists. How he finished with 6 assists after the rest of the roster widely underperformed is astonishing. Not only was it a high scoring night, but an efficient one going 13-20 from the field and 4-8 from three. Ball set a new career high of 32 points at Madison Square Garden
Worst of The Night - More Injury Woes
Going into tonight Charlotte were missing two starters in Bridges and Rozier, as well as key bench players Martin and Ntilkina. Unfortunately, the injury report is getting longer not short after Brandon Miller left the game after stepping on a foot and spraining his left ankle. He did briefly return, but was clearly uncomfortable and exited to the locker room shortly after. Miller was ruled out for the rest of the game, his availability will be in doubt going forward.
Stat of The Night - 4 Points
That is how many the next highest scoring teammate who was available to play in the second half had at half time. Ball had 17, Miller 11 but the rest of the team failed to show up.
