Hornets snap Knicks' win streak behind Kon Knueppel's big outing

Charlotte defeats New York 114-103 in a battle of Eastern Conference playoff contenders.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:25am

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Kon Knueppel had 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 114-103 victory over the visiting New York Knicks, snapping the Knicks' seven-game winning streak. LaMelo Ball added 22 points and Brandon Miller scored 21 for the Hornets, who sit in a three-way tie for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 26 points and 13 assists in the loss.

Why it matters

This game was a key matchup between two Eastern Conference playoff contenders, with the Hornets looking to solidify their position in the crowded race for the final postseason spots. The Knicks had been on a roll, so this loss snaps their winning streak and creates a tighter race in the East.

The details

The Hornets jumped out to an early 10-point lead in the first quarter, but the Knicks battled back to tie the game at 34. Charlotte then closed the first half on an 8-0 run to take a 65-55 lead into the break. The Hornets' lead grew to as many as 21 points in the second half before the Knicks made a late push, but Charlotte was able to hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A forward for the Charlotte Hornets who had a dominant performance with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who scored 22 points in the win.

Jalen Brunson

The leading scorer for the New York Knicks with 26 points and 13 assists in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and talent of the Charlotte Hornets, who were able to overcome the Knicks' seven-game winning streak behind a balanced scoring attack and strong defensive effort. The win keeps the Hornets in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, setting up an exciting finish to the season.