LeBron James faced a disappointing outcome in what could potentially be his final NBA game at Madison Square Garden. The Los Angeles Lakers initially held a 56-52 lead at halftime, bolstered by an impressive 18-point first half from Luka Dončić. However, the New York Knicks surged back with a 13-5 run to close the third quarter, turning a tied game into a commanding 90-82 lead that they maintained all the way to a 112-100 victory.
The Knicks showcased their strength with a stellar shooting performance, hitting 18 of 42 attempts from beyond the arc (43%). Their offense was impressively balanced, with six players scoring in double figures and three exceeding 20 points. This victory marked New York’s sixth straight win, fully rebounding from a prior 2-9 stretch that had raised concerns and led to a players-only meeting organized by team captain Jalen Brunson.
Now sitting at 31-18, the Knicks have positioned themselves in a strong tie for second place in the Eastern Conference with the Boston Celtics, just behind the first-place Detroit Pistons. The noise surrounding their January slump has faded away.
For the Knicks, this win not only secured a vital victory but also dampened what could have been LeBron James’ final appearance in one of basketball’s most legendary arenas. Despite the loss, James delivered a commendable performance, with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a breathtaking alley-oop dunk in traffic that extended the Lakers’ lead early in the third quarter. But it simply wasn’t enough against a determined Knicks team that has effectively bounced back after enduring an 11-game slump.
