Doncic, LeBron Lead Lakers to OT 113-109 Win vs Knicks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic scored 32 points, and LeBron James added 31 as the Los Angeles Lakers secured their eighth straight victory, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 113-109 in overtime Thursday night. Doncic also contributed 12 assists and 8 rebounds, while James sealed the win with clutch free throws. Knicks star Jalen Brunson scored 39 points but suffered an ankle injury in OT.
Lakers vs. Knicks: Quick Look
- Final Score: Lakers 113, Knicks 109 (OT)
- Lakers’ Win Streak: 8 games
- Key Performers:
- Luka Doncic: 32 PTS, 12 AST, 8 REB
- LeBron James: 31 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 39 PTS, 10 AST (left with ankle injury)
- Game-Changing Moment:
- Lakers trailed 90-80 with 6:57 left, then closed regulation on a 19-6 run.
- Next Games:
- Knicks face the LA Clippers on Friday.
- Lakers begin a four-game road trip vs. Boston on Saturday.
Doncic, LeBron Lead Lakers to OT 113-109 Win vs Knicks
Lakers Outlast Knicks in Overtime Thriller: Deep Look
Late Rally Propels Lakers to Victory
The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime before securing a 113-109 win over the New York Knicks. Luka Doncic (32 points, 12 assists, 8 rebounds) led the way, while LeBron James (31 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists) delivered in crunch time.
The Lakers trailed 90-80 with 6:57 remaining but stormed back with a 19-6 run, taking their first lead since early in the second quarter. A clutch three-pointer from Gabe Vincent put the Lakers ahead 99-96, but Jalen Brunson tied it at 99 with a three-point play.
The Knicks had a chance to win in regulation, but Josh Hart failed to get a shot off as time expired.
Doncic and LeBron Dominate in Overtime
In overtime, Doncic scored five crucial points, and the Lakers went 5-of-6 from the free-throw line, sealing the win. James converted four consecutive free throws, including two after Karl-Anthony Towns’ loose-ball foul on a missed shot by Miles McBride.
Doncic’s stellar 9-2 record with the Lakers since joining the team on February 10 has been instrumental in their late-season resurgence.
Brunson’s Injury Casts Shadow on Knicks’ Performance
Jalen Brunson scored 39 points, keeping the Knicks in the game, but his overtime injury left a major question mark. Brunson twisted his right ankle and foot after contact with Austin Reaves, forcing him to limp off the court after sinking two free throws.
The Knicks (40-22) remain among the top five teams in the East but are 0-9 against Cleveland, Oklahoma City, Boston, and the Lakers, the teams ahead of them in the standings.
Key Stats & Takeaways
- Lakers’ Three-Point Shooting: 7-of-15 in the fourth quarter and OT (after 7-of-27 in first three quarters).
- Knicks’ Foul Trouble: The Lakers didn’t attempt a free throw in the fourth quarter but went 5-of-6 in overtime.
- New York’s Struggles vs. Top Teams: Knicks are winless against the NBA’s elite.
Looking Ahead
- The Knicks will face the LA Clippers in their next game, hoping to bounce back and assess Brunson’s injury.
- The Lakers begin a four-game road trip, starting with a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday.
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