Photo Credit: Brad Penner
NEW YORK, N.Y.- The New York Knicks have played some of their best basketball of the season. After taking down the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, they welcome the Charlotte Hornets to town with their four-game winning streak on the line.
That seemed to have not mattered to Charlotte as they took down the Knicks 125-114.
The Hornets got off to a quick start. They were forcing the Knicks to turn the ball over in their first two possessions and scoring from it. Julius Randle responded by scoring eight straight points. In his last contest, he scored five points and was already off to a good start.
The game would remain close at the start of the second quarter. Both teams shot around 60% from the field in a tight contest. In just the first half, the game would be tied seven times. Charlotte would begin to heat things from deep to build momentum as they headed into halftime with a three-point lead.
The second half would be no different as both teams would stay competitive from the jump. It took until a 9-0 run late in the third quarter by Charlotte to get things going for them. They grew their lead to 12, would would be their largest of the night.
The fourth quarter would see the Knicks on a rampage as they cut the Hornets’ lead to two. However, a couple of late buckets by Miles Bridges would end the winning streak for New York.
Charlotte Buzzing
A late fourth-quarter tear by Bridges would put the game out of sight for New York. Bridges would go on a 10-0 run giving the crowd at Madison Square Garden a show they wouldn’t forget. He ended his night with 31 points, six rebounds, and three assists. His teammate, LaMelo Ball, would score 20 points. With it came a new career-high in assists for the second-year player with 15.
The Hornets would finish the night shooting 54% from the field, whereas the Knicks at 48%.
Tom Thibodeau Loves All
It hasn’t been the season Randle and the Knicks were expecting. Randle came into this season after being named an All-Star and winning Most Improved Player last season. This season, however, has been filled with a lot of highs and lows for the Knicks’ star. Despite all that, coach Tom Thibodeau has his player’s back. Thibodeau stated before tip-off.
“If you play for me, I love you. It’s simple. The challenge is to bring the best out of each other.”
Winning or season or not, the Knicks at Madison Square Garden tend to get a lot of love from the Knicks faithful. Unfortunately for Randle, he wasn’t feeling it tonight. Fans began to boo Randle during player introductions once the PA announcer called him, which would only fuel him. He finished his night with 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. A much better outing compared to his last game against Chicago.
Evan Fournier would lead his team in scoring as he finished with 30 points. The Knicks’ hero last game, Alec Burks, got the start as he had a double-double scoring 12 points and picking up 12 rebounds.
Up Next
The New York Knicks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, April 2, at 1 p.m. EST.
The Charlotte Hornets will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, April 2, at 12:30 p.m. EST.
