In a stunning turn of events just hours after their last matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by acquiring superstar Luka Dončić in a blockbuster three-team trade. The trade sent shockwaves through the NBA and set the stage for a thrilling rematch against the New York Knicks at the Crypto.com Arena. This time, Dončić emerged as the hero, leading the Lakers to a hard-fought 113-109 overtime victory over the Knicks.
Trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Lakers orchestrated a remarkable comeback, thanks to the dynamic duo of Dončić and LeBron James. Their combined efforts were instrumental in forcing the game into overtime. As the extra period began, Los Angeles quickly seized the momentum, taking an early lead.
However, Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson was determined to keep his team competitive. He stepped up as the centerpiece of New York's offense, showcasing his skill and tenacity. Unfortunately, the game took a turn when Brunson sustained an injury while driving to the basket. After being fouled by Lakers guard Austin Reaves, Brunson twisted his ankle and was visibly in pain. Despite the injury, he managed to shoot his free throws but was forced to leave the game shortly after, having already scored all eight of the Knicks' points in overtime.
Brunson concluded the game with an impressive stat line of 39 points and 10 assists, solidifying his status as a key player for the Knicks. Following his exit, the Lakers capitalized on the opportunity, hitting six free throws down the stretch, with James contributing four in the final seconds. This victory marked the Lakers' eighth consecutive win, boosting their record to 40-21 for the season.
Luka Dončić also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing the game with 32 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. Following the game, Dončić reflected on the challenge of facing the Knicks, stating, “They’re a great team. They have great players, and it’s a tough win. Now, we got eight in a row, and every game is a battle for us.”
This loss marked the Knicks' second consecutive defeat, bringing their season record to 40-22. New York had multiple opportunities to secure a victory, controlling the game with solid offense and defense for most of the match. However, a critical 10-1 run by the Lakers in the fourth quarter shifted the momentum completely.
In a nail-biting finish, Brunson managed to tie the game with an and-1 play with just 46 seconds remaining in regulation. Following a defensive stop, the Knicks had a chance to clinch the win, but forward Josh Hart was unable to get off a potential game-winner before the buzzer sounded. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team's effort despite the loss, describing the game as a "hard-fought contest." He emphasized the need for improvement in closing out games, stating, “Came down to the stretch. Lot of tough plays that - we couldn’t get to a loose ball, things like that. Overall, I thought the first three-and-a-half quarters were very, very good.”
As the Knicks prepare for the second half of a back-to-back, they will face the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Friday. Meanwhile, the Lakers will embark on a four-game road trip, starting with a classic rivalry matchup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. Both teams will be looking to rebound from their recent performances as they head into these critical games.
