The Hornets started fast, absorbed a run from the Knicks in the middle quarters and finished strong to earn a 109-88 victory on Monday.
Charlotte opened the game with the first 10 points, held New York to one field goal in the opening 6:05 and led by 17 in the first period. However, the Knicks closed the first on an 11-0 run as part of a larger 24-6 run that helped them take a 38-37 lead in the second period.
Charlotte, though, closed the half strong to lead by seven, then pushed the lead to double digits in the third and fourth quarter to win going away on the night.
Hayward finished with a game-high 34 points while Devonte’ Graham had 19 and P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges had 13 apiece. For the Knicks, Kevin Knox had 19 off the bench.