The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets have spent the past three seasons playing like rivals. What must New York do to win the next encounter?
While it may not be the most high-profile matchup in the NBA, the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets have found themselves at the heart of a budding rivalry. Since 2015-16, the two sides have taken part in games that have consistently come down to the wire.
On Monday, Dec. 18, the 16-13 Knicks and 10-19 Hornets will do battle for the second time during the 2017-18 regular season.
New York overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Charlotte 118-113 during the first meeting in 2017-18. Much has changed since Tuesday, Nov. 7, however, with both teams battling injuries to key players at various points over the past month and a half.
The Knicks could be the shorthanded team in this encounter, as both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis could miss the outing due to their respective lower leg injuries.
With or without Hardaway and Porzingis, the Knicks are a well-coached team that plays as one. The Knicks are in the midst of a four-game winning streak, which includes a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder without either of their top two scorers.
The question is: What must the New York Knicks do to extend the winning streak to five with a victory over the Charlotte Hornets?