New York KnicksOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 129–101 on November 26 at Spectrum Center, dominating a lopsided matchup that fell well short of the Vegas total of 242.5 points. Jalen Brunson led New York with 33 points, while Josh Hart added 22 in a balanced offensive effort; the Knicks shot 56.8 percent from the field and made 13 three-pointers while committing just 14 turnovers. Charlotte's Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges scored 18 and 17 points respectively, but the Hornets managed only 41.2 percent shooting and turned the ball over 17 times in a defensive breakdown. The decisive stretch came in the second quarter, when New York outscored Charlotte 35–16 to establish control; the Knicks' offensive rating of 126.6 paired with their suffocating 97.5 defensive rating underscored their superiority on both ends. New York's 26 assists and 12 steals reflected crisp ball movement and active perimeter defense, while Charlotte's 35 rebounds couldn't compensate for their offensive inefficiency and 126.6 defensive rating. The win reinforces New York's position as a serious Eastern Conference contender heading into the season's stretch run.
