Key Takeaways
• Knicks crushed Hornets 129-101
• Held a 36-point lead at its peak
• Five players scored at least ten points
• Victory gives Knicks a confidence boost
Knicks demolish Hornets
Last night in New York, the Knicks demolish Hornets in a 129-101 win. The home crowd cheered as their team built an early lead. From the first quarter on, the Knicks looked sharp on both ends of the court. They moved the ball well and hit open shots. Meanwhile, the Hornets struggled to keep pace. It felt like a one-sided game almost from the start.
Why Knicks demolish Hornets so easily
One reason fans saw the Knicks demolish Hornets was great shooting. The team shot over 50 percent from the field. In addition, they nailed 15 three-pointers. Moreover, their defense forced 16 Hornets turnovers. As a result, New York got many easy baskets in transition. With that energy, the scoring gap grew quickly. By halftime, the Knicks led by 28 points.
Standout Performers
Jalen Brunson led the way with 28 points and seven assists. He drove to the hoop with ease and hit key jumpers. Meanwhile, Julius Randle added 22 points and nine rebounds. His hustle on offense and defense set the tone. Immanuel Quickley came off the bench to score 18 points. His hot shooting kept the momentum going. Even RJ Barrett chipped in 15 points and grabbed six boards. In total, five Knicks scored in double figures.
Key Moments of the Game
Early in the first quarter, the Knicks went on a 12-0 run. That stretch forced a timeout from the Hornets. After that, New York never looked back. In the second quarter, Brunson hit back-to-back threes to push the lead past 20. Right before halftime, Quickley drained a deep three at the buzzer. That shot fired up the crowd and made the score 70-42. In the third quarter, coach pulled his starters with a 30-point lead. The bench kept scoring and extended the gap to 36 points.
Team Effort and Bench Impact
It was not just the stars who shined. The bench outscored Charlotte’s bench by 20 points. Evan Fournier, coming back from injury, scored 10 points in 15 minutes. Quentin Grimes added eight points and three steals. Even rookie Julian Champagnie saw action and grabbed four rebounds. This team effort showed why Knicks demolish Hornets became a trending phrase. The depth of New York’s roster stood out on every possession.
Defense Fueled the Offense
Strong defense helped fuel the win. The Knicks blocked six shots and grabbed 14 steals. They limited the Hornets to 42 percent shooting. In transition, they forced bad passes and turned them into easy layups. Coach praised the team’s communication on pick-and-roll defense. As a result, the Hornets felt frustrated and rushed their offense. This defensive intensity kept the Knicks in control all night.
What This Means for the Season
This blowout win gives the Knicks momentum. With this victory, they improve their home record. More importantly, it boosts their confidence heading into tough road games. Fans hope this win sparks a playoff push. If the team can play this way consistently, they belong among the league’s best. Yet, they must stay focused. The NBA season is long, and tougher tests lie ahead.
Lessons for the Hornets
For Charlotte, this game shows where they need work. Their defense allowed too many open shots. They also turned the ball over at a high rate. Offensively, they missed their key shooters. Without those points, they fell behind quickly. Coach will likely stress defense and ball control in practice. If the Hornets learn from this loss, they can bounce back soon.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Knicks face a tough road trip. They will visit teams with strong defenses. This blowout win serves as a reminder of what they can do. Meanwhile, the Hornets return home to play a struggling opponent. They will aim for a quick turnaround. Both teams have chances to build on this game’s lessons.
Fan Reactions
After the game, social media buzzed with praise for New York’s team. Fans shared highlights of clutch threes and strong dunks. Many fans wrote “Knicks demolish Hornets” in their posts. It shows how this phrase stuck after such a big win. For a city starved for playoff success, this game felt special.
Coach’s Post-Game Thoughts
Coach highlighted his players’ energy and focus. He said, “We executed our game plan on both ends. We shared the ball and played tough defense.” He also praised young players for stepping up. “Our bench showed great effort. Young guys like Quickley and Grimes gave us a spark.” With this mindset, New York aims to keep improving.
Final Thoughts
This game proved that the Knicks can dominate when they play as a unit. Their offense flowed, and their defense pressured the opponent. When the Knicks demolish Hornets in such fashion, it sends a message to the rest of the league. If they keep this up, they could become a real threat. Fans will watch eagerly to see if they maintain this level of play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Knicks score so many points?
They shared the ball and shot well. The team made 15 three-pointers and moved fast in transition. Their defense created chances for easy baskets.
Who led the scoring?
Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 28 points. He also added seven assists and made key plays in the first quarter.
What went wrong for Charlotte?
The Hornets struggled with turnovers and poor shooting. They allowed too many open shots and could not keep up with New York’s pace.
What comes next for both teams?
The Knicks hit the road to face tough defense. The Hornets return home to regroup against a weaker opponent. Each team will learn from this game as they move forward. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/26/knicks-nba-cup-chances-still-alive-with-28-point-rout-of-hornets/
