As bad as the Knicks have been this season, they rarely fold under David Fizdale.
And on Friday, the fight was rewarded with an improbable comeback victory at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.
Emmanuel Mudiay dropped a career-high 34 points as the Knicks recovered from a 21-point deficit to stun the Hornets in overtime, 126-124, and snap a five-game losing streak.
The Knicks (9-21) were shorthanded with just eight healthy bodies following in-game injuries to Mitchell Robinson and Frank Ntilikina. But they still went on a 23-5 run in the fourth quarter behind the improbable duo of Mudiay and Luke Kornet.
Mudiay scored 29 points after the first half. Kornet, who was a candidate to be cut to make room for Allonzo Trier's contract, had his best game of the season, by far, dropping 13 points with three blocks in 24 minutes.
Both teams had an opportunity to win in regulation, but Kemba Walker missed for the Hornets and Mudiay's 3-pointer rimmed out at the buzzer.
In overtime, Walker had another opportunity _ dribbling it down the entire court in four seconds to beat the buzzer _ but his layup attempt was way off. Walker's chance to tie was made possible by rookie Kevin Knox missing consecutive free throws to keep the Knicks' narrow lead at two.
Walker, the Bronx-born star, struggled while shooting 6 for 20 with 16 points. Knox had 20 points in 42 minutes, while Noah Vonleh added 15 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
The Knicks, who gave up 72 points in the first half, were down several players due to injury. In addition to Ntilikina and Robinson going down, Damyean Dotson (shoulder soreness), Trier (hamstring), Trey Burke (knee) and Lance Thomas (knee) were inactive.
Ntilikina managed 15 minutes and Robinson played eight.
