LOS ANGELES – In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Los Angeles Lakers staged an impressive comeback to overcome a 13-point deficit and defeat the New York Knicks with a final score of 113-109.

The Lakers, who have been on a hot streak with eight consecutive wins and triumphs in 20 of their last 24 games, now boast a record of 40-21, solidifying their position as the No. 2 team in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Knicks, falling to 40-22, currently hold the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

Despite a struggle from the Lakers’ supporting cast in making shots throughout the game, the team’s superstars, Luka Dončić and LeBron James, led the charge with outstanding performances. Dončić contributed 32 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists, while James added 31 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists to propel the Lakers to victory.

New York’s Jalen Brunson shined for the Knicks with 39 points and 10 assists, despite facing an ankle injury during overtime that forced him to exit the game after sinking two crucial free throws.

The turning point of the game occurred in the fourth quarter when the Lakers mounted a comeback, fueled by Gabe Vincent and James hitting five 3-pointers in the final minutes. This surge allowed the Lakers to erase an 8-point deficit and take a 99-96 lead with just over a minute left in regulation.

Heading into overtime, Dončić’s impressive jump shots over Knicks’ center Karl-Anthony Towns secured a lead for the Lakers, ultimately resulting in a 113-109 victory.

The loss marked the Knicks’ second consecutive defeat, putting them at 17-12 since the start of the year. Despite the setback, the focus shifted to Brunson’s injury, which occurred as he attempted a layup late in overtime, leaving him in visible pain and hobbling off the court.

Following the game, Coach JJ Redick highlighted the Lakers’ resilience and ability to overcome challenges, showcasing their impressive 20-4 record over the past seven weeks. The team’s improved performance was attributed to the partnership between Dončić and James, providing a stronger offensive presence and generating key opportunities during critical moments.

For the Knicks, shooting struggles and a lack of offensive firepower outside of Brunson have been detrimental to their performance in recent games. Their inefficiency from beyond the arc and a decline in shooting percentage have hampered their offensive output, contributing to their defeat against the Lakers.

Overall, the Lakers’ remarkable comeback victory highlighted their strength and determination, while the Knicks faced challenges that ultimately led to their downfall in a closely contested matchup.