The day after its traditional Thanksgiving break, the NBA resumes very early Charlottewith a clash between the Hornets and the Knicks. Far from being the most qualitative of the season, and that's saying something, but Jalen Brunson (31 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), Karl-Anthony Towns (19 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) and new York provided the essentials against a team deprived of LaMalo Ball, among others.
As one could imagine in this very late match, the awkwardness is there to start, even if the Hornets get the best “least bad” start thanks to the energy of their French pair, Tidjane Salaün – Moussa Diabaté (23-15). Despite losing the ball, the Knicks are finally getting started with the activity of their bench to support Karl-Anthony Towns. The 3-point success of Charlotte, and in particular of Vasilije Micic, gives the team some fresh air, but Jalen Brunson comes out of his box to once again reduce the gap, before Josh Green shines in the buzzer (49-46).
The quality of play is no more attractive after the break and the two teams continue to be equal (72-71). Obviously, everything depends on “money-time”. The moment chosen by Jalen Brunson, aggressive, to take matters in hand and, over time, the Knicks end up cracking these Hornets who sold their skin dearly (99-98). Even if, like Brandon Miller, they may harbor regrets because of their clumsiness.
TO REMEMBER
– New York wins but does not reassure. Supposed title candidates must be able to win even when they play poorly and the Knicks at least had the merit of getting there today. Weighed down by their clumsiness with ball in hand (21 lost balls, etc.) and by a generally static attack lacking inspiration, Tom Thibodeau's men were scared against an opponent well within their reach but who ran into them continuously. .
– Mikal Bridges “benched”. Replaced eight minutes from the end of the match, “Iron Mik'” then did not return to the field until the famous free throw game in the final seconds. A strong decision from Tom Thibodeau, visibly not happy with the level displayed by his winger in this part, which is understandable: 8 points and 3 lost balls, at 3/10 shooting, in 37 minutes. The confirmation, above all, that the person concerned has been going through a bad patch since the resumption and that his integration in New York has not been very successful so far.
– Charlotte eliminated. If the Knicks are getting closer to qualifying for the quarter-finals of this “NBA Cup”, remaining however under threat from the Magic (2-0) because of a differential which is not favorable to them, the Hornets are not for their part more in contention to reach the knockout phase. Despite the tenure of Tidjane Salaün and Moussa Diabaté, who made their stats in the five, Charles Lee's players suffered offensively and Brandon Miller's 7/25, coupled with his 6 turnovers, weighed heavily in the balance .
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
