Courtney Lee, Kyle O’Quinn and Brandon Jennings lead the New York Knicks over the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden.

  • New York Knicks 110 (21-27)
  • Charlotte Hornets 107 (23-24)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Somebody, please pinch me. Wake me up from this splendid dream.

Madison Square Garden was electric during the final stages of the New York Knicks 110-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

After finding themselves down five entering the fourth quarter and trailing for much of the second half, Courtney Lee had the game of his life as a Knickerbocker. His 16 overall points spearheaded a 17-7 run for New York to close out the game.

It was his 3-pointer coming off a Carmelo Anthony miss and Kyle O’Quinn offensive rebound that provided the Knicks with their first lead in quite some time:

Following the made three, the Knicks forced a turnover and Lee found Brandon Jennings for a dagger in the corner.

From that point on, New York didn’t look back.

In addition to pouring in 16, Lee shot 7-of-12 from the floor, collected three rebounds, swiped three steals and dimed on four assists. Melo and Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 18 apiece. Brandon Jennings — although still a knucklehead as seen during the final minute when he risked a technical while attempting to join the Hornets timeout huddle — was key off the bench with 15 points.

This win was had thanks to the grittiness of the Knicks role players, not the glam of the studs.

Kemba Walker (who else?) led the way for Charlotte on Friday night. He poured in 31 points while absolutely trashing the ankles of Rose on one early play:

D-Rose leaves the game:

The reason B-Jennings was so prevalent down the stretch was due to Derrick Rose‘s absence. No, he did stay for the game. Why he missed the fourth quarter came down to an ankle injury suffered in the third when he stepped on the foot of an opposing player. 

KP continues to struggle with fouls:

Yet again, Porzingis struggled with foul trouble. In fact, he fouled out late in the fourth and picked up his fifth when he wasn’t patient enough when guarding the smaller Ramon Sessions underneath the basket. He needs major work in this area.

Up next:

Now sitting at 21-27, still far from where they want to be, the Knicks will turn their attention to a Sunday matinee in Atlanta when they take on Dwight Howard and the Hawks.

 
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com