NEW YORK, NY — December 4, 2025

In a game filled with trade speculation and drama, Karl-Anthony Towns rose above the noise to guide the New York Knicks to a decisive 119-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Despite swirling rumors that the Knicks might trade Towns as part of a deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star big man showed why he remains an indispensable part of New York’s roster.

Karl-Anthony Towns Dominates on Both Ends

Towns delivered a commanding performance with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists, demonstrating versatility and physicality throughout the night. Unlike many of his previous games this season, Towns focused heavily on attacking the paint, scoring 20 of his 35 points inside the restricted area. His ability to rebound, finish in traffic, and create scoring opportunities for teammates proved pivotal in holding off the Hornets.

Even with Jalen Brunson struggling from three-point range, shooting just 1-for-5 beyond the arc, Towns anchored the Knicks’ offense, allowing New York to maintain control despite Charlotte’s mid-game comeback attempt.

Knicks Overcome Fatigue in Back-to-Back Game

Coming off a road loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, the Knicks displayed signs of fatigue in the second game of a back-to-back. Missed shots, sloppy passes, and defensive lapses threatened to let the Hornets back into the contest. Charlotte even went on a 26-9 run to cut the lead to three points, but a half-court buzzer-beater from Jalen Brunson restored a six-point cushion going into halftime.

Brunson finished with 26 points and five assists, while veteran wing Josh Hart contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, reinforcing the Knicks’ depth.

Charlotte Hornets Struggle Despite LaMelo Ball’s Efforts

The Hornets were led by LaMelo Ball, who tallied 34 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, and rookie Kon Knueppel, who added 13 points. However, Charlotte’s inconsistencies, combined with the Knicks’ dominance inside the paint, proved too much. The Hornets’ center duo of Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner faced challenges containing Towns, highlighting ongoing questions about rotation and minutes distribution at the center position.

Josh Hart Shines Amid Return to Form

Josh Hart, who struggled early in the season due to a lingering finger injury, has turned his performance around dramatically. Over the past nine games, Hart has averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, shooting 55.3% from the field and 45% from three-point range. On Wednesday, he displayed his all-around skill set, contributing to New York’s win while showing leadership on both ends of the court.

Head coach Mike Brown praised Hart’s patience and perseverance, noting that the veteran’s dedication to improving despite a slow start has been instrumental in the Knicks winning six of their last eight games.

What’s Next for the Knicks and Hornets

The Knicks will look to continue their momentum in upcoming matchups as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Hornets must address defensive inconsistencies and rotation decisions at the center position to stay competitive in the 2025-26 NBA season.