Knicks improve to 3-1 after escaping overtime vs. Charlotte

The New York Knicks have won their third straight game to improve to 3-1 after opening the season with a heartbreaking overtime loss vs. the Grizzlies. The Knicks defended home court at MSG this week with wins against the Pistons, Magic, and Hornets. Last night’s effort against the Hornets was no easy task like the previous two, as they needed every minute, including overtime, to beat the shorthanded team.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Photo Courtesy of NBA Youtube

The Knicks surrendered a 12-point lead in the third but prevailed in overtime with a final score of 134-131. Jalen Brunson was outstanding, finishing with 25 points (10-for-15 shooting), seven rebounds, and a career-high 13 assists. Brunson came up clutch hitting tough buckets or finding open teammates late to help the Knicks win this one.

RJ Barrett added 22 points, and Julius Randle finished with 17. Clearly, the offense would run through Brunson late in regulation and overtime. However, Randle did hit a big layup late in overtime to extend the Knicks’ lead, and he played with great energy and emotion, which was absent from his game last season.

The Hornets were without their starting backcourt, as Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball missed the game due to injuries. However, the Hornets received good contributions from Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre, PJ Washington, and former Knick Dennis Smith Jr., who hit a contested layup in the final minute of regulation to tie the game and eventually send it to overtime.

The Knicks now hit the road to face Giannis and the undefeated Bucks in Milwaukee tomorrow night. After that, they play the Cavs, Hawks, 76ers, Celtics, Timberwolves, and Nets. The Knicks play serious playoff contenders in their next seven games, so beating these weaker teams was important before the schedule was difficult.