The Charlotte Hornets' face-off versus an Eastern Conference powerhouse on Thursday went as expected. Missing several key pieces, including three of their leading scorers, they couldn't match the New York Knicks' firepower.
For a half, the Hornets were able to keep up with New York behind what looked like what was going to be an encore performance from Brandon Miller. However, after leading by as many as 12 in the first quarter, they faced a 65-62 deficit entering intermission.
In true Charlotte fashion, everything unraveled in the third period. The squad has been unable to put up good performances in all four quarters during most of their games.
Knicks star played over 46 minutes in the blowout win
The Knicks outscored the Hornets 38-16 in the third stanza. Brandon Miller and Moussa Diabate combined for all but two of the Hive's output in the period. The other field goal was Cody Martin's contested floater with a little over a minute remaining in the third.
Up by 25 points, New York probably could have rested most of its starters and banked on its other players to protect the lead and coast to the victory.
That wasn't how it turned out, though.
The Knicks did lead comfortably the rest of the way, but coach Tom Thibodeau decided to continue playing his stars in the fourth. In fact, Mikal Bridges didn't take a break until he was subbed out at the 1:30 mark of the final period. Moreover, three other starters, namely OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart, each played between 38 and 40 minutes.
Of course, Thibodeau has become notorious for his penchant for overworking his stars. However, it's worth noting that Bridges has never played more than 43 minutes in any of the Knicks' contests this season — not even in close games.
So, unless the two-time Coach of the Year was punishing Bridges or the starters, perhaps he wasn't comfortable letting the Knicks bench take over.
It wouldn't be surprising if that were the case because the Hornets have become known for their never-say-die attitude. Despite going down double-digits in many of their matches this season, they have managed to rally for either a win or a close loss.
There was no miracle for Charlotte on Thursday, though, as coach Charles Lee mailed it in early. Miller didn't even see action in the fourth quarter, finishing with 26 points in 30 minutes.
As a silver lining, Vasilije Micic may have raised his trade value by registering a double-double, including a season-high 12 assists. Seth Curry broke out of a slump with 18 points on 4-5 shooting from 3-point land. Unfortunately, no other Hornets player scored more than eight.