Karl-Anthony Towns has 10 points in his Knicks preseason debut

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jalen Brunson thought twice about going 1-on-2 in transition, but instead dribbled back out and turned the ball behind him to Karl-Anthony Towns, who made a 3-pointer with a defender in his face.

It’s the kind of two-man game that the Knicks hope will take them to the next level and bring an NBA championship to New York for the first time since 1973.

It’s why the Knicks traded for the versatile Towns, a four-time NBA All-Star, last week. He can stretch the opponent’s defense and create even more space for Brunson to operate in the lane and attack the hole.

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

Both played only the first half, which ended in a 61-61 tie.

Miles McBride led the Knicks with 22 points.

Towns looked out of sync on offense at times early on, but became increasingly comfortable as the first half progressed. He struggled from deep, missing his other four three-point attempts and half of his points coming from the free throw line.

The 7-foot center was acquired last week from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade involving three teams, including the Hornets.

The Knicks gave up three-time All-Star Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo, while re-acquiring Keita Bates-Diop and also getting a first-round pick. The Hornets received Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries and Duane Washington Jr. and two second-round picks, along with the draft rights to center James Nnaji.

Towns averaged 22.9 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 39.8% from 3-point range during his nine seasons in the league.