Lakers stage fourth-quarter comeback, defeat Knicks in OT to extend streak
In one of their most impressive victories this season, the Lakers overcame a sluggish second and third quarter with a dominant fourth-quarter comeback to secure a 113-109 overtime win.
LeBron James led the way with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Luka Dončić finished with 32 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. Dalton Knecht contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
Gabe Vincent was perfect from beyond the arc, going 4-for-4 and finishing with 12 points, playing a key role in the fourth quarter.
The game opened with Luka draining a 3-pointer, part of his quick 10 points that sparked LA’s offense. His former teammate Jalen Brunson scored seven for the Knicks, while Karl Anthony-Towns picked up two early fouls and was forced to sit. LA’s smothering defense caused multiple turnovers, giving them a seven-point lead.
New York capitalized on LA’s defensive lapses in the second quarter, going on a 12-1 run. Austin Reaves struggled offensively, while OG Anunoby punished the Lakers inside and from deep. LeBron tried to rally the team with four straight points, but the Lakers trailed by 11 at halftime.
The third quarter was more of the same for LA. Luka opened with a three, but Brunson remained hot for New York. The Lakers settled for too many threes, disrupting their rhythm. Late in the quarter, Gabe Vincent’s triple and Dalton’s two threes cut the deficit to single digits.
LeBron missed two shots to start the fourth, but Luka returned to hit a jumper. Each time LA got close, the Knicks answered. A 9-3 Lakers run cut the gap to four, fueled by Gabe’s hot shooting. He hit back-to-back threes before LeBron tied the game with his own triple. Gabe’s clutch three gave the Lakers the lead, but Brunson’s three-point play sent the game to overtime.
In OT, Luka scored five quick points. Austin hit a crucial three, despite struggling all night. Brunson kept New York close but exited with an ankle injury. Free throws by Jaxson and LeBron sealed the win.
The Lakers will face the Boston Celtics on Saturday at 5:30 PM PT.
