Hours before the New York Knicks faced off against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, reports emerged that Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks has requested a trade. Following his desire to move to the Knicks over the summer, various sources began exploring ways for the Knicks to pull off a deal to acquire the All-Star in their quest for an NBA title.
Most of these trade scenarios entailed sending Karl Anthony Towns packing. This comes on the heels of the Knicks not reaching a contract extension with Towns before the October deadline. However, despite speculations, it was Towns who led the Knicks to a 119-104 victory, posting 35 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists.
After a tough loss to the Boston Celtics, the Knicks appeared fatigued in their second game of the back-to-back schedule. Their shooting was off, passes were imprecise, and their defense lacked intensity. Luckily for the Knicks, the struggling Charlotte Hornets were in similar form, and Towns’ tenacity shone through to secure the win.
Despite leading by 15 points at the end of the first quarter, the Knicks built their lead to 20 points with 7:18 left in the first half. As the Hornets struggled offensively, it seemed the Knicks were on cruise control. However, Charlotte executed a 26-9 run, closing the gap to three points before Jalen Brunson’s half-court buzzer-beater provided the Knicks with a six-point lead at halftime.
Brunson added 26 points and five assists but had another off night shooting from deep, going just 1-for-5. The Knicks once again surged ahead in the third quarter before LaMelo Ball’s strong performance brought the Hornets back to within eight points. Ball led his team with 34 points, while rookie Kon Knueppel contributed 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Karl Anthony Towns Shines with Dominant Performance
With Brunson struggling early in the game, Towns took charge, scoring eight points and grabbing four rebounds before the first timeout. He showcased his playmaking skills with five assists and several impressive passes throughout the game, emphasizing his versatility by dominating in the paint.
The Hornets Face a Center Dilemma
Despite the Hornets being known for LaMelo Ball and the rookie Kon Knueppel, they possess an intriguing center duo of Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, both vital to the team’s rotation. Coach Charles Lee has faced challenges in managing their minutes effectively.
Josh Hart Regains Form After Rough Start
This season, questions loomed over Knicks wing Josh Hart, especially following his nerve injury during training camp. His early-season performance left much to be desired, but following a turning point on November 14 against the Miami Heat, Hart has changed his season narrative. Over recent games, he’s made significant contributions, underscoring his importance to the team’s recent success.
