New York KnicksOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 114–103 on March 26 at Spectrum Center, with K. Knueppel and L. Ball leading the hosts to victory. Knueppel scored 26 points while Ball added 22 as Charlotte shot 52.6 percent from the field and made 16 three-pointers, outpacing New York's 11 made threes. The Hornets controlled the glass with 43 rebounds to the Knicks' 24, a decisive advantage that fueled their 125.6 offensive rating. New York's J. Brunson matched Knueppel with 26 points and O. Anunoby contributed 17, but the Knicks' second-quarter collapse—scoring just 19 points—proved insurmountable despite their 51.2 field-goal percentage and 26 assists. Charlotte's third quarter (29 points) extended their lead while New York managed only 21 in that frame. The final score fell well below the Vegas total of 224.5, as both teams' defenses tightened late. Charlotte's victory improves their standing in a competitive Eastern Conference race.
