New York Feasts in Charlotte: Knicks Dominate Hornets in Holiday Blowout

The New York Knicks didn’t just win a basketball game in Charlotte—they delivered a full-course Thanksgiving beatdown that fans online have already renamed “Spanksgiving.” In a performance overflowing with energy, precision, and unapologetic swagger, the Knicks dismantled the Hornets from the opening tip to the final buzzer, turning a routine matchup into a festival of highlights.

What made this win especially satisfying for Knicks fans is how complete it was. New York controlled every meaningful facet of the contest: rebounding, pace, shot selection, and defensive tone. Even before halftime, it was clear Charlotte had no answers—not for the Knicks’ physicality, not for their ball movement, and certainly not for their bench depth, which continues to be one of the team’s most underrated strengths.

Jalen Brunson, operating like a point guard possessed, carved through the Hornets’ defense with calm precision. His ability to manipulate the pick-and-roll, draw double teams, and still find open shooters is quickly establishing him as one of the league’s most efficient offensive leaders. His scoring wasn’t flashy, but it was devastatingly effective—exactly what New York needed to build early separation.

Then there was Julius Randle, who looked every bit like the All-NBA force the Knicks rely on. From hard-driving finishes in the lane to his now-signature mid-post footwork, Randle punished Charlotte’s interior defense. The Hornets tried doubling him, switching on him, even forcing him toward the baseline, but nothing stopped his momentum. Games like this remind the league that when Randle is engaged, few power forwards can match his mix of strength and finesse.

Defensively, the Knicks were merciless. Charlotte was suffocated by quick rotations, crowding in the paint, and aggressive closeouts that forced rushed, low-percentage shots. Even when the Hornets found open looks, they couldn’t establish rhythm—New York never let them breathe long enough to mount a real run.

And then came the knockout blow: the Knicks’ second unit, who treated the fourth quarter like a statement opportunity. They ran up the score, imposed a fast tempo, and played with a confidence that suggested this team is deeper than most analysts give them credit for.

Beyond the stats and highlights, the vibe around this Knicks squad feels different. They played with joy, toughness, and unity—qualities that championship contenders often display early in the season. A blowout win on the road, on a holiday week, in a trap-game scenario? That’s not an accident. That’s a team focused.

Charlotte, meanwhile, will have to go back to the drawing board. Their lack of defensive presence, inconsistent shot creation, and absence of a stabilizing veteran presence were all exposed under the Knicks’ bright lights.

In the end, New York sent a message to the league: the Knicks aren’t just winning—they’re overwhelming opponents. And if this “Spanksgiving” performance is any indication, they’re only warming up.