The NBA fined Denver guard Russell Westbrook $35,000 on Friday for making an obscene gesture on the court in the final period of the 145-118 loss against the Knicks at Ball Arena.
During Monday's crushing defeat, Westbrook seemed to make the right gesture in front of the New York bench after sinking a three-pointer from the corner.
In the game, Knicks' shooting guard OG Anunoby scored a personal record of 40 points and Jalen Brunson had 23 points and 17 of the team's 45 assists, equaling the team's record, while the Knicks maintained a dominant start.
Westbrook scored 27 points coming off the bench to lead the Nuggets.
Knicks defeat Hornets 99-98
Jalen Brunson scored 31 points and made two crucial free throws with 8.6 seconds remaining, as the New York Knicks held on to a 99-98 victory over a shorthanded Charlotte Hornets team to improve their record to 3-0 in the NBA Cup tournament on Friday.
On the other hand, Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who started the game with a 23-point deficit against the Orlando Magic in point difference in Group A and needed a convincing victory. The Magic has a 2-0 record in group games and will later visit Brooklyn.
In addition, Brandon Miller scored 20 points and Josh Green added 15 points for the Hornets, who played without three starters, including the in-form LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams, as well as key reserves like Nick Richards, Tre Mann, and Grant Williams.
The Knicks took the lead in the last minute, but it was short-lived as Josh Green scored a jump shot to regain the advantage, then proceeded to steal an inbound pass from Mikal Bridges and spun to score a jump shot as time expired.