Lakers Edge Out Knicks in Overtime Thriller with Dončić's Star Performance

Just hours after their previous encounter, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines with a blockbuster trade, acquiring Luka Dončić in a stunning three-team deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA.

Meeting on Thursday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Dončić emerged as the hero in a thrilling 113-109 overtime win against the New York Knicks.

Trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Lakers rallied, orchestrating a comeback with dazzling performances from Dončić and LeBron James to extend the game into overtime.

Though the Lakers started strong in the extra period, Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson carried the team’s offense on his shoulders. However, Brunson’s drive to the basket resulted in a foul by Lakers guard Austin Reaves, leading to an unfortunate twist of his ankle.

Despite his injury, Brunson stayed to shoot the free throws but then exited as he limped to the locker room, not returning to the court. He had scored all eight of the Knicks’ points in overtime before leaving, and wrapped up the game with 39 points and 10 assists.

With Brunson sidelined, the Lakers capitalized by sinking six free throws, including four by James in the final 40 seconds, securing their eighth consecutive victory and boosting their season record to 40-21.

Dončić delivered an impressive 32 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals, while James added 31 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists to seal the game.

Afterwards, Dončić praised the Knicks during a TNT interview, recognizing them as a challenging opponent. “They’re a great team,” he remarked, “and securing this win wasn’t easy. We’ve won eight straight, but every game is a tough battle.”

The Knicks, now with a second straight loss and a 40-22 record, will likely look back with regret on their missed opportunities.

New York held command thanks to timely plays on both ends of the court, but a 10-1 Lakers run in the fourth quarter halted their momentum.

After the Lakers gained their first lead since the second quarter, Brunson, as he has consistently done all season, stepped up in critical moments, tying the game with a three-point play with only 46 seconds left in regulation.

Following a defensive stop, the Knicks had a chance to claim victory, but forward Josh Hart failed to release his shot before the buzzer.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t provide a specific update on Brunson’s injury, but he commended his team’s gritty performance, calling it a “hard-fought game.”

“It came down to the wire,” Thibodeau stated. “There were many tough plays—missed loose balls, things like that—which often define the game. Generally, the first three-and-a-half quarters were strong. We just need better closure.”

The Knicks continue their road stretch against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Friday, while the Lakers embark on a four-game trip, facing off against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.