Lakers Edge Knicks 113-109 in Thrilling Overtime Showdown

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to secure a 113-109 victory against the New York Knicks in overtime on Thursday night. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 32 points, while LeBron James contributed 31 points and 12 rebounds, extending Los Angeles’ winning streak to eight games.

With the game tied at 99-99 at the end of regulation, the Lakers surged ahead in overtime. Doncic played a pivotal role, scoring five of the team’s points in the extra period. James sealed the game with two free throws, solidifying a crucial win for the Lakers.

In the closing moments of overtime, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson suffered an injury after twisting his ankle while driving to the basket. Despite his injury, Brunson had a standout performance, recording 39 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for his team.

The Lakers found themselves down 90-80 with just under seven minutes left in the fourth quarter but rallied back with a 19-6 run to take the lead. Gabe Vincent played an important role off the bench, hitting a crucial three-pointer during the run and finishing the night with 12 points.

Reflecting on the intense gameplay, Luka Doncic commented, “It’s always tough to fight back, but we stayed focused and believed in ourselves. Everyone contributed, and that’s what matters.”

Both teams struggled early from beyond the arc, but the Lakers significantly improved, shooting 7 of 15 in the fourth quarter and overtime, compared to just 7 of 27 in the first three quarters.

The Knicks, despite holding the league’s fifth-best record at 40-22, have struggled against top-tier teams, now sitting at 0-9 against the league’s elite, including the Lakers, whom they have yet to defeat this season.

“We were in a good position, but we need to learn how to close games like these,” Brunson remarked post-game about his team’s missed opportunities. “Every loss teaches us something, and we have to grow from this.”

The match showcased dramatic exchanges and tight score differences typical in NBA rivalries, with both squads exchanging leads numerous times throughout the game.

In terms of statistics, the Lakers shot 42.7% from the field, while the Knicks recorded a shooting percentage of 39.4%. The game attendance at the Crypto.com Arena peaked at 18,997 fans, contributing to an electric atmosphere.

Looking ahead, the Knicks will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, while the Lakers set off on a four-game road trip beginning with the Boston Celtics on Saturday.