CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jalen Brunson had 31 points and made two clutch free throws with 8.6 seconds left, and the New York Knicks held on to beat the shorthanded Charlotte Hornets 99-98 to improve to 3-0 in NBA Cup play on Friday.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who entered the game 23 points behind the Orlando Magic in point differential in Group A and in need of a blowout win. The Magic are 2-0 in group play and visit Brooklyn on Friday night.
Brandon Miller had 20 points and Josh Green added 15 points for the Hornets, who played without three starters, including the red-hot LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams, as well as key reserves Nick Richards, Tre Mann and Grant Williams.