Jan 28, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) reacts with guard forward Jeremy Lamb (3) during the second half against the New York Knicks at the Spectrum Center. The Hornets won 101-92. Photo Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The Charlotte Hornets overcame a poor shooting night and hit some key shots in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 101-92 win over the visiting New York Knicks.
The Hornets had balanced scoring with six players in double figures. Tony Parker and Jeremy Lamb led the way with 15 points each. Kemba Walker and Malik Monk each scored 14 points and Willy Hernangomez and Miles Bridges added 11 points each.
Charlotte entered the fourth quarter tied at 71-71, but Monk was the spark that the Hornets needed, scoring 12 of his 14 points during a pivotal 17-1 run.
Hernangomez continued his strong work inside with the reserve unit, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds for his third 10-plus rebound game in his last six appearances and third double-double of the season. Charlotte’s reserves outscored New York’s, 53-37.
“We couldn’t make a shot tonight, probably until the fourth quarter and Monk was a big part of that,” Hornets Head Coach James Borrego said. “Sometimes in the league you have to win different ways. It wasn’t our finest performance. Part of that was shots just weren’t dropping. We had good looks, but in the first half we just couldn’t make a shot. We got to the rim and couldn’t finish. It was just a rough night shooting, but give our guys credit. That third quarter defense really sustained us. That gave us a chance in the fourth to hold them. We only scored 17, but we held them to 18 at least. Monk was special in the fourth. That’s what he can do. Kemba found him a couple of times and he was ready to fire. He’s been working on his game. He’s been ready for this moment. Give him a lot of credit.”
“That’s when we’re at our best. Our depth is our strength. When you look at our group, for us to get this done this season and become a better team than we are right now it’s the depth of our that’s going to get it done,” said Borrego. “When we have double figure scorers, that’s when we’re at our best. Tonight wasn’t the prettiest game, but in general we got it done with our depth. It wasn’t one guy carrying us. Our high score was 15 so it was spread out. Obviously, we want to score more than 101 points, but I think it just speaks to our depth right now. We’re trusting our bench and right now we’re playing very well there.”
Kevin Knox had 19 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. 17 for the struggling Knicks, who have won one game since beating the Hornets on Dec. 14.
Walker spoke to the crowd before the game and thanked them for voting for him and helping him become an All-Star game starter for the first time.
