The NBA Cup ramifications at stake for Knicks-Hornets clash

CHARLOTTE, N.C.— Black Friday’s NBA Cup game means nothing toward winning the group. No matter the result of the noon game against the Hornets, the winner of the Magic-Knicks contest on Dec.

3 will get the top position of Group A and automatic advancement to the quarterfinals. That’s because New York and Orlando represent the only undefeated teams in the group at 2-0 apiece and the first tiebreaker is head-to-head. Still, there are two reasons the Hornets game is significant: 1) It counts toward the regular-season record, which diminishes the NBA Cup and remains part of the reason the tournament hasn’t claimed the desired special feel. 2) The Knicks could still advance with a wild-card spot into the quarterfinals if they beat the Hornets but lose to the Magic. Last season, the Knicks needed the wild card on point differential to reach the quarters, where they were dumped by the Bucks in Milwaukee. The tournament backfired on the Knicks, who had to face two of the Eastern Conference’s best five times during the season — the Bucks and Celtics — because of the scheduling quirks. Also, the tournament wasn’t a good indication of playoff success.Three of the four semifinalists — the Bucks, Pelicans and Lakers — were bounced in the opening round of the postseason. The other semifinalist, the Pacers, were swept in the Eastern Conference finals. The traveling members of the Knicks organization had a big Thanksgiving dinner together in Charlotte. The Hornets game will decide whether the five-game road trip — which ties the longest of the season — will be winning or losing.  Sign up for Inside the Knicks by Stefan Bondy, a weekly exclusive on Sports+.

Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! The Knicks are currently 2-2 with uneven play in victories over the ...