By Zachary McMahon-
The Charlotte Hornets hosted the New York Knicks in the 2024 preseason opener on Sunday at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.
Karl-Anthony Towns made his Knicks debut after he was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves four days ago in a three-team trade with the Hornets. DaQuan Jeffries and Duane Washington Jr. who were a part of this trade made their debut for the Hornets. Towns had an abbreviated appearance of 15 minutes while scoring 10 points and five rebounds. Jalen Brunson lead the starters for the Knicks for 12 points with three assists and one rebound. Both Brunson and Towns only played in the first half which ended in a 61-61 tie.
Miles McBride led the reserves with 22 points for the Knicks, while Landry Shamet followed with 16.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 18 points, as he’s looking to have a comeback season after missing most of last season with a right ankle injury
The Hornets were short handed in this game as Grant Williams, Mark Williams, Cody Martin, and Nick Smith Jr. Grant Williams tweaked his right hamstring during offseason workouts, but did not miss much of training camp. Mark Williams strained a tendon in his left foot before the start of training camp and he’s on track to be re-evaluated on Thursday.
Martin strained his right wrist during the Hornet’s final practice at Duke University on Fridy, and is considered day-to-day. Smith strained his groin and will be reevaluated in a week.
The Hornets assisted on 11 of 12 first-quarter field goals, and they made their final eight shots, including five three-pointers, but it would not be enough as the Knicks grabbed the victory 111-109.
The Hornets will host the Miami Heat at 7 pm on Tuesday, while the Knicks will travel to Madison Square Garden to face the Wizards on Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
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