Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
New York KnicksOpen full analysis
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 110–96 on April 12 at Madison Square Garden, staying well below the 217.5-point Vegas total in a defensive struggle. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller each scored 19 points for Charlotte, which shot 45.9 percent from the field and made 19 three-pointers to overcome 17 turnovers. The Hornets' balanced attack generated 27 assists and out-rebounded New York 46–39, while their defense held the Knicks to 43.3 percent shooting and just 13 made threes. Malik McBride led the hosts with 21 points and José Alvarado added 16, but New York's 104.9 offensive rating proved insufficient; the Knicks managed only 25 assists and committed 10 turnovers. Charlotte's early offensive efficiency—combining 30 and 27 points in the first two quarters—proved decisive, and despite a third-quarter push from both teams, the Hornets' 112.8 offensive rating ultimately controlled the pace. The loss marks another defensive lapse for New York heading into the final stretch of the season.
