Every Knicks–Hornets game tells more than the final score—it reveals how a young, scrappy Charlotte roster is slowly figuring out ways to crack New York’s defensive schemes. With rookie Kon Knueppel and veteran LaMelo Ball each taking turns as floor general, the Hornets have flipped the narrative in two straight meetings, including a 110–96 win at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026.
Games Played (Last 5): Hornets 2 wins, Knicks 3 wins (as of Apr 12, 2026) ·
Most Recent Match (Apr 12, 2026): Charlotte Hornets 110, New York Knicks 96 ·
Top Scorer (Mar 26, 2026): Kon Knueppel (CHA) – 26 points ·
Knicks All-Time Wins vs Hornets: 62 ·
Hornets All-Time Wins vs Knicks: 52
Quick snapshot
- Knicks lead all-time series 62–52 (Land of Basketball (historical head-to-head records))
- Hornets won the last two meetings (Mar 26 and Apr 12, 2026) (StatMuse (game log))
- Whether Knueppel’s back‑to‑back strong performances signal a consistent breakout or a hot streak (ESPN (NBA game recap))
- Exact player stats for every game in the five‑game stretch without accessing raw NBA API data (CBS Sports (game recap))
- Whether the Hornets’ improved performance is sustainable against other top‑tier teams (ESPN (analysis))
- Knicks won five straight meetings from Nov 2023 to early 2026 (Land of Basketball (game log))
- Hornets broke the streak with a 114–103 win on Mar 26, 2026 (ESPN (game recap))
- Both teams have potential playoff berths; a first‑round meeting could shift the rivalry dynamic (CBS Sports (betting analysis))
- Knicks remain among top‑5 betting favorites for the 2026 NBA title (CBS Sports (odds))
The following table compiles key series statistics.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| All-Time Wins (Hornets vs Knicks) | 52–62 (Knicks lead) (Land of Basketball (historical series)) |
| Last 5 Games Result | Hornets 2, Knicks 3 |
| Most Recent Game Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Most Recent Final Score | Hornets 110, Knicks 96 (StatMuse; CBS Sports) |
| Top Scorer (Mar 26, 2026) | Kon Knueppel (CHA) – 26 pts (ESPN (box score)) |
| Hornets FG% (Apr 12) | 45.9% (CBS Sports) |
| Knicks FG% (Apr 12) | 43.3% (CBS Sports) |
| Hornets 3PT% (Apr 12) | 36.5% (CBS Sports) |
| Knicks 3PT% (Apr 12) | 32.5% (CBS Sports) |
| Rebounds (Apr 12) | Hornets 59, Knicks 47 (CBS Sports) |
Have the Hornets ever beaten the Knicks?
Yes, and the all‑time tally is closer than a casual fan might think. Through the end of the 2024–25 season, the Hornets held 52 regular‑season wins against the Knicks, while New York leads the series 62‑52. The Hornets’ two most recent victories—on March 26 and April 12, 2026—snapped a five‑game Knicks winning streak that stretched back to November 2023.
All-time regular season record
- Knicks lead 62–52 (Land of Basketball)
- The Hornets’ best stretch came in the early 1990s when they won 5 of 6 meetings (1990–93)
The implication: the Knicks’ historical dominance is clear, but Charlotte has shown it can compete when its young core clicks.
Recent trends in the rivalry
- Knicks won five straight from Nov 18, 2023 through early 2026 (Land of Basketball)
- Hornets won the last two games by an average margin of 12.5 points (ESPN; StatMuse)
What this means: the balance of power in the series may be shifting, driven by Charlotte’s improved perimeter shooting and rebounding.
Kon Knueppel’s 26‑point, six‑three‑pointer game on March 26 was the first time a Hornets rookie had scored 25+ points in a rivalry game since LaMelo Ball did it in 2021. That single performance forced the Knicks to double‑team him early in the April 12 rematch, opening space for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Who won the most recent Knicks vs Hornets game?
Three key games define the 2025–26 series. The most recent: Charlotte Hornets 110, New York Knicks 96 on April 12, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. That win gave the Hornets a two‑game winning streak against New York for the first time since 2018.
Final score and key player stats from Apr 12, 2026
- Hornets 110, Knicks 96 (StatMuse)
- Hornets shot 45.9% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 76.5% FT (CBS Sports)
- Hornets out‑rebounded Knicks 59–47 (CBS Sports)
- Hornets recorded 27 assists vs 7 steals (CBS Sports)
The pattern: Charlotte dominated the glass and shared the ball, neutralizing New York’s pick‑and‑roll attack.
Game summary from Mar 20, 2025
- Knicks defeated Hornets in a regular‑season game on Mar 20, 2025 (specific box score not included in available logs) (Land of Basketball)
The catch: the Hornets’ two recent wins are the only bright spots in an otherwise one‑sided recent history.
The implication: the Hornets have proven they can beat the Knicks when they control the glass and share the ball.
What are the latest player stats from Hornets vs Knicks?
Three players account for the bulk of Charlotte’s offensive production in the recent meetings. Here’s the breakdown from the two most recent games.
Points leaders (combined Mar 26 and Apr 12)
- Kon Knueppel (CHA): 26 pts (Mar 26) (ESPN)
- LaMelo Ball (CHA): 19 pts, 7 ast (Apr 12) (StatMuse)
- Brandon Miller (CHA): 19 pts, 5 reb (Apr 12) (StatMuse)
Rebounds and assists
- Hornets team rebounds: 59 (Apr 12), Knicks: 47 (CBS Sports)
- Hornets team assists: 27 (Apr 12) vs Knicks 25 (CBS Sports)
Shooting percentages
- Hornets: 47% FG, 34% 3PT (Oct 17, 2025 matchup) – earlier season
- Knicks: 45% FG, 38% 3PT (Oct 17, 2025) – earlier season
Why this matters: the Knicks’ three‑point shooting advantage in the early season (38% vs 34%) evaporated in the recent games, where Charlotte shot 36.5% from deep.
New York’s perimeter defense forced only 32.5% from three in the April 12 game, compared to a season average of 36%. That dip, combined with Charlotte’s rebounding edge, flipped the game.
The pattern: Charlotte’s depth in scoring and rebounding has become a consistent factor.
Are the Knicks favored to win the NBA Finals?
Yes, the Knicks remain among the top contenders for the 2026 NBA championship, especially after the Celtics’ early exit reshaped the odds. CBS Sports and ESPN both list New York in the top 5.
Current NBA championship odds (2026)
- Knicks are in the top 5 betting favorites (CBS Sports (betting odds))
- Hornets are not listed as top contenders (ESPN (odds analysis))
The implication: while the Knicks are playoff‑bound and title‑hungry, their inconsistent defense against younger teams like Charlotte is a red flag that oddsmakers may be underweighting.
How the Knicks’ season compares to the Hornets
- Knicks: projected 48–50 win season, top‑4 Eastern seed (CBS Sports)
- Hornets: rebuilding with a 30–35 win projection, but playing spoiler (ESPN)
For Knicks fans, the margin for error is thin – a first‑round exit if they draw a hot Hornets team could be a real possibility.
Does Michael Jordan own the Charlotte Hornets?
No – Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, ending a 13‑year run as principal owner. He does not own 100% of the team today.
Jordan’s ownership stake history
- Jordan purchased a majority stake in 2010 for $275 million (Forbes (financial reporting))
- He sold a majority share in 2023 to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall (ESPN (ownership change))
- Jordan netted approximately $1 billion from the sale (Forbes)
The trade-off: Jordan’s departure freed up capital for a new ownership group that immediately invested in analytics and youth development, which is now paying dividends with players like Knueppel.
“The Hornets are no longer a one-man show. They have a system, and they’re buying into it.”
— ESPN analyst on the team’s improved ball movement (ESPN (analysis))
“Kon Knueppel is the real deal. His three‑point volume at this age is unprecedented.”
— CBS Sports draft analyst (CBS Sports (rookie analysis))
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the last Knicks vs Hornets game?
The Hornets won 110–96 on April 12, 2026, at Madison Square Garden (StatMuse).
Who scored the most points for the Hornets in their win over the Knicks on March 26, 2026?
Kon Knueppel scored 26 points, making six three-pointers (ESPN).
How did LaMelo Ball perform in the most recent Hornets-Knicks matchup?
Ball recorded 19 points and 7 assists in the April 12 game (StatMuse).
Are the Knicks in the playoffs for 2026?
Yes, they are projected as a top‑4 seed and are among the betting favorites to win the Eastern Conference (CBS Sports).
What is Kon Knueppel’s rookie season scoring average?
As of late March 2026, he was averaging 18.4 points per game (ESPN player stats).
Has Michael Jordan made money from selling the Hornets?
Yes, he made close to $1 billion from the 2023 sale (Forbes).
For Hornets fans, the recent two‑game sweep of the Knicks offers a legitimate reason for optimism: a young core that can out‑rebound and out‑shoot a veteran defensive team. For Knicks fans, the lesson is that a first‑round matchup with Charlotte—once a gimme—now carries real risk. The Knicks vs 76ers match player stats show similar weaknesses against fast, skilled teams. Meanwhile, the Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks player stats reveal how critical floor spacing is in today’s East. The choice is clear: either New York fixes its defensive rebounding, or the Hornets’ rising stars will make noise in the playoffs.
Noah Harper is Senior Reporter at Southern Focus, covering breaking stories and explainers.