NY Knicks record 112-100 win over the LA Lakers, while reigning champions OKC beat the Denver Nuggets 121-111.
The New York Knicks have spoiled what might have been LeBron James’s last game at Madison Square Garden, stretching their winning streak to six games with a 112-100 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.
OG Anunoby scored 25 points, and reserve Landry Shamet added 23 to lead the Knicks to the win on Sunday night.
Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James, a 41-year-old Lakers star, remains uncommitted beyond this season, his NBA-record 23rd, but he said playing at the Garden meant “everything” to him.
“It’s the Mecca of basketball in New York. It’s the Big Apple. Being at MSG, so many guys have walked this court, basketball, entertainment, actors, musicians, everything. It has been a wide range of America, the people, to grace this floor,” James said.
“I hope I’m like a small snippet of somebody that came through here and was able to make a little small dent from a visitor’s perspective. It’s always cool in here. I’ve always loved these fans.”
While not saying it was his Garden farewell, James noted, “When the time comes, it will always have a special place.”
Josh Hart added 20 points for the Knicks while All-Star guard Jalen Brunson had 12 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
“We’ve just been playing together,” Brunson said of their win streak. “Sticking together, that’s the biggest part, having each other’s back, holding each other accountable.
“We have to continue to do that. Can’t be satisfied. It’s a collective effort.”
The Knicks improved to 31-18, second in the Eastern Conference behind Detroit.
The Lakers fell to 29-19 despite 30 points from Luka Doncic and 22 from James, who was named to his record 22nd NBA All-Star Game as a reserve by NBA coaches.
“Super humbling,” James said. “Mad respect to the coaches. Playing at the latter stages of my career and still [being] able to be an All-Star, it means a lot.”
It was the Lakers’ first loss of the season after leading at half time.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points and added 13 assists while Cason Wallace had a career-high 27 points with seven three-pointers as reigning champions Oklahoma City won 121-111 at Denver.
“We knew we were going to have to bring it in this building if we wanted to get a W,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
United Arab Emirates Dirham Exchange Rate
