CHARLOTTE — In a disappointing display, the New York Knicks fell to the Charlotte Hornets on March 20, 2025, with a final score of 115-98. This defeat marked a critical concern for the Knicks, especially as the playoffs loom on the horizon. The team appeared lethargic and uncoordinated throughout the match, raising worries about their readiness for the playoff season.
Josh Hart didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment, stating, “The way we’re losing games is embarrassing.” Struggling without star player Jalen Brunson, who is recovering from an ankle injury, Hart's frustration resonated in the locker room where he emphasized the importance of effort. “We’re not doing what it takes,” he noted, highlighting the lack of energy and aggression that the team displayed against a Hornets squad that has struggled all season.
The Knicks were significantly outrebounded by 14 and displayed a concerning lack of scoring depth. Their bench put up a dismal performance, mustering only 11 points, while the Hornets’ reserves outscored them 37-11. Notably, their main bench players, including Precious Achiuwa, Landry Shamet, and Cam Payne, collectively shot a disappointing 3-for-16 from the floor. Hart himself took just eight shots during the game, indicating a team-wide struggle to find offensive rhythm.
Despite some promising performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby—who scored 24 and 25 points respectively—the others faltered. The Knicks collectively shot just 40 percent, finishing with an abysmal 25.6 percent from three-point range. The frustrating outcome has left fans worried about their chances, especially since the Knicks have now fallen to 3-5 since Brunson’s injury.
LaMelo Ball led the charge for the Hornets, scoring 25 points and recording eight assists in just 26 minutes, proving to be a challenging opponent for the Knicks. He was complemented by Mark Williams, contributing 19 points and 14 rebounds, which combined with the Hornets' exciting spark led to their fourth win in seven games. “We took control of the game early and maintained our lead,” Ball stated post-game, reflecting on the Hornets’ strong performance.
The Knicks' defense, typically a hallmark under head coach Tom Thibodeau, faltered significantly in this matchup. “You win together, you lose together,” Thibodeau remarked, downplaying the bench’s contribution and emphasizing that all players need to step up, not just the starters. With a playoff berth approaching, the urgency for improvement is more pronounced than ever.
The game was marked by the Knicks' slow start, which saw them giving up the first seven points to the Hornets. Though they managed to momentarily regain momentum, they couldn’t sustain it amidst missed opportunities and defensive lapses. The final three quarters saw them trailing significantly, and they consistently failed to chip away at the deficit.
Looking ahead, the Knicks have the chance to redeem themselves when they face the Washington Wizards on March 24, 2025, a game they need to win to build confidence going into the playoffs. “If we don’t come right, we’re going to get embarrassed again,” Hart warned, shedding light on the critical need for urgency in the upcoming games.
As the Knicks prepare for this upcoming contest, the players and coaching staff are aware that improvement is necessary. The absence of Brunson has been a glaring issue, but they must find a way to overcome this setback and rally together as a team. The sky-high expectations from fans and pundits alike mandate a response—one that shows they can contend when it matters most. The team will need to rally, showcase their resilience, and prepare properly to make a strong push in the postseason.
With games running out, the Knicks are at a pivotal juncture where they must discover their footing quickly. Given the challenges they have faced, this upcoming match against the Wizards is more than just a game; it’s a pivotal opportunity for them to signal that they can still be contenders as the postseason approaches. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can adjust, re-engage, and rise to the occasion.
