Hornets crush Knicks as LaMelo Ball shines with 25 points

On March 20, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Charlotte Hornets secured a 115-98 victory against the New York Knicks. LaMelo Ball had an impressive performance, scoring 25 points and contributing eight assists. Alongside him, four other Hornets players also scored in double figures: Mark Williams with 19 points and 14 rebounds, Miles Bridges adding 15 points and 10 rebounds, DaQuan Jeffries netting 14 points, and Nick Smith Jr. scoring 13 points. This win marked the Hornets' fourth victory in their last seven games, helping them break a two-game losing streak after experiencing several humiliating defeats, with five losses by 30 points or more in the past month. During the game, Charlotte took the lead late in the first quarter and maintained a comfortable margin, extending their lead to as much as 19 points at times. The Knicks, who have been struggling recently, have lost six of their last nine games. O.G. Anunoby led the Knicks with 25 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 10 rebounds; however, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Hornets. The game saw a strong presence from Knicks fans, reminiscent of their historic playoff matchups with the Hornets in the 1990s. The Hornets' success in this game marked their first victory against the Knicks since December 5, 2024, ending a six-game losing streak against them. Key moments included Charlotte responding effectively to a Knicks surge in the fourth quarter, helping them maintain control of the game and secure the win. Additionally, Charlotte's performance from beyond the arc was notable, converting 15 of their 32 three-point attempts, showcasing their offensive prowess throughout the game.