The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 126-124, in overtime at Spectrum Center on Friday evening.
Knowing the track record of the two teams, the Hornets' (14-14) body of work on their home court and the fact Charlotte jumped out to a 33-16 first-quarter lead, the final outcome would have been extremely difficult to envision after the first 12 minutes. However, the Knicks (9-21) refused to lay down, beginning their comeback with a 37-point haul in the second quarter and continuing with a 48-31 second-half advantage that sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, New York managed to pull ahead by a 126-121 margin with 17 seconds remaining, and a Kemba Walker misfire on a jumper at the buzzer sealed the win for the Knicks.
Emmanuel Mudiay paced the Knicks with 34 points, a total he supplemented with eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kevin Knox provided 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Noah Vonleh generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Enes Kanter matched Vonleh's scoring total and hauled in eight boards. Luke Kornet led the bench with 13 points and added six rebounds. Tim Hardaway, Jr. turned in 12 points.
Nicolas Batum and Cody Zeller co-led the Hornets with 21-point efforts. Batum also dished out seven assists and hauled in six rebounds, while Zeller hauled in 13 rebounds. Marvin Williams posted 20 points and five boards. Walker delivered 16 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Jeremy Lamb matched his scoring total and also managed nine rebounds and five assists.
The Knicks next pay a visit to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon, while the Hornets remain home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday evening.
