Minnesota is now 0-3 at home but a flawless 4-0 on the road.
Advertisement
For the first time in his National Basketball Association career, Andrew Wiggins missed a game.
NY Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) goes up for a shot while Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) defends during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena.
That winning streak last season also came to an end in Charlotte, where the Knicks will be Wednesday night with both teams trying to win a back-to-back set.
It will be interesting to see if the Hornets can go on the road and get a win in Minnesota in this game because they have struggled on the road so far this year going only (1-3) on the road. 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FSN Southeast (Charlotte)ABOUT THE KNICKS (4-4): NY was largely uncompetitive last season and Tuesday’s victory was another example of the difference in the psyche of the team. The Hornets started the final quarter on a 6-0 run to go up 91-80 with ten minutes remaining. Nemanja Bjelica hit two free throws, but then he fouled Lin on a 3-point attempt at the quarter buzzer, and Lin made all three free throws to give Charlotte a one-point lead entering the second.
Given the circumstances – playing without three starters – nobody should be surprised with the loss.
Coach Sam Mitchell said he didn’t find out Rubio and Wiggins would be out until just before the game. As of now, both players should be viewed as day-to-day in advance of Thursday’s nationally televised home game against the Warriors (TNT). “He’s ready to play skill-wise”. Karl-Anthony Towns added his fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jefferson started the game 0 for 6. I came up short. “I did as much as I thought I could possibly do, but games like this when you’re missing two star players you have to step it up to another level and I wasn’t able to do that tonight”.
Zach LaVine started in place of Rubio at point guard.
In the end, this is what it looks like to play without two of the teams three essential ingredients.
And Lin’s even drawing praise from Clifford for his defense on Minnesota’s lethal shooter Kevin Martin.
Towns on playing against Al Jefferson: “You’re talking about one of the best offensive big mans in the league”. I’m happy he’s with us now. Jones was active Tuesday for just the second time this year.
The Hornets enjoyed a seven-point edge in points off turnovers, a 12-point edge in the paint.
The Wolves bench has been a strength all season. Garnett is averaging 2.3 points and 5.2 rebounds this season…. Lavine had 20, Martin 18, Payne 10. He deserves credit for his performance tonight. Assists: Charlotte 18 (Walker 6), Minnesota 25 (LaVine 8).
Advertisement
New York’s only three-game run last season ended with a 76-71 loss in Charlotte on January 24 as the Hornets won the last three meetings of the four-game season series.
