Knicks use big third quarter to steamroll hapless Hornets

Jalen Brunson pumped in 32 points, Donte DiVincenzo racked up 28 points and the New York Knicks didn't miss a beat despite playing without one of their top players, drubbing the host Charlotte Hornets 113-92 on Monday night for a season-high seventh consecutive victory.

The Knicks had a huge third quarter by scoring 44 points, nearly matching their entire first-half total. It marked the third time in three games that Charlotte had surrendered more than 40 points in a quarter.

New York played its first game since standout forward Julius Randle sustained a shoulder injury Saturday afternoon.

Miles McBride added 11 points and Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points in just 16 minutes for the Knicks, who made 52.4 percent of their shots from the field. Josh Hart grabbed 12 rebounds to go with eight points and seven assists.

The Hornets were blowout victims at home for the third time across a four-night stretch despite rookie Brandon Miller's 29 points (matching a career best) and Miles Bridges' 21 points. Charlotte was without point guard LaMelo Ball for the second game in a row because of ankle soreness.

P.J. Washington had 16 points on 7-for-19 shooting in a starting role after he came off the bench to match a career-high total with 43 on Saturday night vs. the Utah Jazz.

The Knicks took turns with scoring bursts in the third quarter, with Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hartenstein all in the act during one stretch. DiVincenzo scored seven consecutive New York points, including a 3-pointer, to push the lead to 80-58 with less than four minutes left in the third quarter.

DiVincenzo made five of the Knicks' 12 3-pointers. Brunson shot 13-for-24 from the field and added seven assists.

The Hornets received only seven points from their reserves, with eight players used off the bench.

The Knicks led 46-43 at halftime, with the teams sharing similar statistics. Both teams were 18-for-45 from the floor with four 3-point baskets in the first half.

—Field Level Media