Lakers Overcome Knicks in Overtime for Eighth Consecutive Victory; Jalen Brunson Sustains Ankle Injury

LOS ANGELES — In a thrilling overtime battle, the Los Angeles Lakers staged a remarkable comeback from a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 113-109 on Thursday night.

         

With this victory, the Lakers extended their winning streak to eight games and improved their record to 40-21, solidifying their position at No. 2 in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Knicks fell to 40-22, maintaining their No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Despite struggling with their shots for most of the game, the Lakers were propelled to victory by the stellar performances of superstars Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić contributed 32 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists, while James added 31 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson showcased his scoring prowess with 39 points and 10 assists before suffering an ankle injury with 1:24 remaining in overtime. He exited the game after successfully making both free throws.

How Jalen Brunson's Ankle Injury Could Impact Knicks' Offense in the Playoffs

The Knicks' offense faltered in the fourth quarter, managing only 15 points as the Lakers mounted a comeback from an eight-point deficit. Gabe Vincent and James connected on five 3-pointers in the final 5:59, enabling the Lakers to take a 99-96 lead with 1:21 left. However, Brunson responded with an and-1 play to tie the score at 99 with 46.1 seconds remaining.

The Lakers missed two crucial 3-pointers, one by Dorian Finney-Smith and another by James, before stifling the Knicks' final possession. Los Angeles forced Brunson to receive a pass near half court and doubled him, leading to a pass to Josh Hart. Hart faced a wave of defenders and attempted a shot as time expired.

Carrying their momentum into overtime, the Lakers relied on Dončić, who sank back-to-back jumpers over Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Dončić's midrange jumper near the free-throw line and a stepback 27-foot 3-pointer on the left wing gave the Lakers a 104-99 lead. Despite the Knicks briefly tying the score at 107 on free throws after Brunson's injury, the Lakers largely controlled overtime.

The Knicks' Struggles Continue

The Knicks' challenging 2025 season continued with their second consecutive loss, dropping their record to 17-12 since the start of the calendar year. However, the focus shifted to Brunson's ankle injury, which occurred during the game's final minutes. After attempting a layup, Brunson landed awkwardly and clutched his right ankle in pain. He remained on the ground for a while, receiving attention from a team trainer, head coach Tom Thibodeau, and his father/assistant coach Rick Brunson. Struggling to put pressure on his ankle, Brunson shot the free throws before hobbling to the locker room.

Following the game, Thibodeau revealed that Brunson was undergoing further examination.

How the Lakers Orchestrated Their Comeback

Hours before their comeback victory, Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed concerns about potential weaknesses that opponents could exploit during the team's then-seven-game winning streak. These worries were validated throughout the game, as the Knicks secured 14 offensive rebounds, forced 16 Lakers turnovers, and witnessed Brunson dominate the Lakers' defense. All three aspects were points of emphasis for Los Angeles entering the game, but they went against the team's favor.

However, the Lakers' fourth-quarter rally showcased the resilience they have developed over the past seven weeks, resulting in a 20-4 record and the best performance in the league during that period. The Lakers have faced numerous challenges from formidable opponents and have consistently emerged victorious.

Thursday's rally also highlighted the increased margin for error that the Lakers have gained since the Dončić trade, as Dončić and James played together seamlessly. The Lakers' offense generated a multitude of scoring opportunities, manipulating the Knicks' defense until finding the perfect mismatch to exploit in crucial moments.

With so much going right for the Lakers recently, it seemed inevitable that something would go wrong soon. However, for at least one more game, they found a way to overcome any obstacles thrown their way.

What Went Wrong for the Knicks?

Despite leading for most of the night, the Knicks' struggling offense continued to hinder their performance. They shot a dismal 10 of 43 from beyond the arc, ranking among the bottom six teams in the league in 3-point shooting since January 1. The Knicks' offense, once one of the most efficient in basketball during the first half of the season, has experienced a decline. The absence of key contributors, aside from Brunson, has taken a toll on the team as they approach the final stretch of the season. These factors played a significant role in the Lakers' ability to stage their comeback.