Brunson Leads Knicks to Decisive NBA Cup Victory Over Hornets with 33-Point Performance

Key Takeaways:

• Jalen Brunson registered 33 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 129-101
• The Knicks improved to 3-1 in NBA Cup group play, converting 13 of 26 shots from three-point range
• The Hornets suffered their seventh consecutive loss and have been eliminated from this season’s NBA Cup competition

Ruthless Efficiency Fuels Knicks in NBA Cup Clash

Jalen Brunson delivered an outstanding 33-point display as the New York Knicks overpowered the Charlotte Hornets 129-101 on Wednesday evening in Charlotte. Backed by Karl-Anthony Towns, who produced a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, the Knicks showcased a relentless offensive onslaught to secure their third win in four NBA Cup group stage fixtures.

Josh Hart also played a crucial role, tallying 22 points, while New York’s precise long-range shooting saw them sink 13 of 26 three-pointers. The victory improves their position in the group, and they notably enhanced their point differential, which stood at minus-2 before tip-off.

ROAD DUB. pic.twitter.com/3GwcrCVlxN

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 27, 2025

First-Half Domination Sets the Tone

The Knicks wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing to a commanding 25-point halftime advantage through a balanced scoring attack. By the break, every member of New York’s starting five had already reached double figures. The visitors shot an imposing 64% from the field and converted 6 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc in the opening two quarters.

Of the 72 points the Knicks compiled in the first half, an impressive 68 came from their starters, including 19 courtesy of Josh Hart.

Hornets Struggle as Brunson Shines

Charlotte welcomed Brandon Miller back for his second match following a shoulder injury, and he led the home side with 18 points. However, the Hornets’ woes in Cup competition continued, as they have now dropped ten successive NBA Cup games over the last three campaigns and are eliminated from this season’s tournament.

LaMelo Ball, the highest-paid player in franchise history with a $260 million max contract, faced a frustrating outing. Ball collected his fourth foul in the third quarter while struggling to contain Brunson, resulting in a trip to the bench. He finished with just 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting and later received a technical foul for disputing a call with officials.

Meanwhile, Brunson’s performance earned him enthusiastic “MVP! MVP!” chants from the Spectrum Center crowd.

Coaching Decisions and Group Stage Outlook

Intent on maximising the team’s point differential, Knicks head coach Mike Brown kept his starters on court until 2:17 remained, only removing them after establishing a 24-point cushion.

The result leaves no doubt over New York’s ambitions in the NBA Cup. Both teams return to group stage action on Friday night, with the Knicks hosting the Milwaukee Bucks and the Hornets set to face the Chicago Bulls on home court.