Jalen Brunson dribbled outside instead of going 1-on-2 during transition and flipped the basketball behind him to Karl Anthony Towns who hit a 3-pointer despite a defender being in his face.

The Knicks hope that a two-man match will help them reach the next level, and bring a championship to New York City for the first since 1973.

The Knicks made the trade for Towns last week. He is a versatile player and a four-time NBA All-Star. Brunson can operate in the lanes and find more space to attack.

Towns scored 10 points in 15 minutes on 2-for-7 shooting, and had four rebounds. In his debut preseason with his new team on Sunday night, the Knicks beat the Charlotte Hornets by 111-109. Brunson scored 12 points with a 5-for-11 shot and three assists.

Both players only played in the first half which ended with a tie of 61-61.

Towns stated, “I’m familiar with their talent and it’s just a matter to play with them.” “It was cool to finally put on a Knicks shirt and play 5 on 5.

Brunson added: “It will take some time but when people want to win, it will flow.” We are on the same page, and excited to be team members.

Towns is not sure how long it will take him to build chemistry with his new team.

Towns stated that “every day we are learning about each other and improving.” “That’s really the key.”

Towns’ excitement about starting a new life in New York is evident.

Towns stated, “These guys were all super-special and very talented. They put in the work.” The coaches have us go through drills to improve our skills and timing.

Towns was a bit out of sync in the offensive early on, but he became more comfortable with the passing of time. He was unable to make any of his four other 3-point attempts, and the majority of his points were scored at the free-throw lines.

Tom Thibodeau, Knicks’ coach, said: “I knew it would be rough and there were little things we needed to clean up.” “They obviously need time, so I wanted to give them a chance to try it out.” We need to start practicing now because the opener is just around the corner.

Early on, the Knicks showed some good ball movement but missed a few layups.

We will look into that. Thibodeau explained that it was timing. Some sequences were great; others need to be improved. “Some of it is [directing] the ball to the wrong area.”

The Hornets acquired the 7-foot center from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade last week that involved three teams. He has not had much time with his new teammates.

The Knicks received Keita Biop as well as a first-round draft pick. They also gave up Donte DiVincenzo. The Hornets got Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffrey, and Duane Washingon Jr. The Hornets received two second-round draft picks and the rights to center James Nnaji.

Towns averaged 22.9 and 10.8 points while shooting 39.8% at the 3-point line during his nine years in the league.