Charlotte Hornets Snap New York Knicks' Win Streak

The New York Knicks finally hit a roadblock last night after going nearly a month without a loss. The Charlotte Hornets blindsided their Eastern Conference rival, stealing a 112-105 win and snapping the Knicks' nine-game win streak.

.@gordonhayward: 23 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST@KELLYOUBREJR: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 1 BLK@T_Rozzay3: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST@PJWashington: 13 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK

Presented by @drpepper pic.twitter.com/CziaPyIS6G
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 8, 2023

The Knicks may have been caught sleeping. They were coming off a 131-129 double-overtime triumph over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, and teams have treated a trip to Charlotte like a night off all season. Even with the win, the Hornets are 21-46 and 14th in the Eastern Conference.

It was a complete effort for the Hornets, with three players scoring 20 or more points. Conversely, it was a thorough collapse from the Knicks. Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley combined to hit 10 of their 33 field goal attempts for a mere 30 points after totalling 69 points on Sunday. Jalen Brunson continues to sit with a sore left foot.

It was the Knicks' first loss since February 10th, dropping them to 39-28 and fifth in the Eastern Conference. They remain one of the NBA's most pleasant surprises, thanks in part to the savvy acquisition of Jalen Brunson in free agency. Brunson has averaged 23.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game with a .594 true shooting percentage. He has clearly levelled up since leaving the Dallas Mavericks.

The Knicks begin a four-game road trip with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.