Kon Knueppel scored 26 points as the Charlotte Hornets continued their late-season push for an NBA playoff spot with an emphatic 114-103 win over the high-flying New York Knicks on Thursday.

Knueppel drained six three-pointers, playing a key role in an impressive team shooting display that helped the Hornets extend their winning streak to five games as they strengthen their postseason hopes.

LaMelo Ball contributed 22 points along with six assists and five rebounds, with five Charlotte players finishing in double figures in a well-rounded team performance.

The Hornets have now won 23 of their last 29 games since late January, firmly placing themselves in the mix in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

With the Toronto Raptors occupying the final automatic playoff spot in sixth place at 40-32, Charlotte remain among a group of teams closely competing just behind them for positioning in the standings.

Philadelphia 76ers sit in seventh place at 40-33, while Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are all level on 39-34, underlining the tight nature of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Charlotte’s strong run of form marks a significant turnaround from last season, when the franchise finished just one place above the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only 19 wins.

Orlando Magic kept pace with a 121-117 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, led by 30 points from Paolo Banchero and 23 from Desmond Bane.

In another game, the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons rebounded from Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks with a convincing 129-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

With Cade Cunningham still sidelined as he recovers from a collapsed lung, Jalen Duren stepped up offensively, recording 30 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Huerter added 22 points, while Daniss Jenkins contributed 19.

The Pistons improved to 53-20 and hold a comfortable four-and-a-half-game lead at the top of the Eastern Conference.