LeBron James led with 24 points as the Los Angeles Lakers halted the New York Knicks’ winning streak at nine games with a 113-105 victory during Saturday’s NBA action.
Austin Reaves contributed significantly with 22 points, while D’Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince each added 16 points. Anthony Davis played a crucial role with 12 points and 18 rebounds, helping the Lakers climb above the .500 mark to a 26-25 record.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasized the team’s effort to reach their potential and maintain a high level of defensive play.
“We ’re just trying to get to a place where we’re trying to get to a place where we’re playing the type of basketball we envisioned,” Ham said. “The type of basketball we know we’re capable of and defend at a high, high level. That’s (going to) give you a chance every night. And we’ve got enough firepower in terms of people in the starting lineup, people coming off the bench to where we’re (going to) be able to put points on the board.”
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Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, and Donte DiVincenzo added 26 points before fouling out. Josh Hart had 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Precious Achiuwa had 10 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, Brunson acknowledged the team’s shortcomings.
“We didn’t make enough plays on both sides of the ball,” Brunson said. “Give them credit.”
The game remained close, with the Knicks leading 86-80 entering the fourth quarter. However, the Lakers initiated the final period with a 7-0 run to take the lead. The game saw several lead changes until DiVincenzo’s three-pointer gave New York its final lead at 96-94.
“The start of the fourth, we’re up six,” Thibodeau said. “There was a big turnover, we gave up a 3 in transition. They got momentum, and it turned the game right there.”
Prince’s three-point play soon after sparked an 11-0 run by Los Angeles, highlighted by James’ fadeaway jumper, securing a 105-96 lead with less than two minutes remaining.
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Prince and Reaves scored 16 of the Lakers’ first 20 points in the fourth quarter. Ham praised their aggressiveness and ability to seize scoring opportunities, which relieved some pressure off James and Davis.
“That’s what we need,” Ham said. “We have a team full of talented offensive players. The more they assert themselves and stay aggressive, and…deliver; take advantage of the opportunities that they have, the better it will be (and) the more endurance we’ll have for LeBron and A.D.”
The Knicks faced a near seven-minute drought in scoring towards the end of the game, which the Lakers capitalized on, extending their lead. Despite a late effort by Brunson, who ended the game with a three-point play, the Lakers secured their victory with effective free-throw shooting in the closing moments.
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James, experiencing his 32nd game at Madison Square Garden, expressed his affection for the venue, recognizing its historical significance in basketball.
“It’s the Mecca of basketball,” James said. “There’s been so many great players, great teams, great things that come through this building. So (I’m) just happy to be part of it.”
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to face the Charlotte Hornets, while the Knicks will host the Memphis Grizzlies in their next games.
