The blockbuster showdown between the Lakers and the Knicks lived up to the hype even without superstar LeBron James as New York pulled off a thrilling 106-100 victory at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The Knicks started the contest like a house on fire, scoring the game's first 10 points. They stretched that lead to 25 points in the first half, sending Knicks fans into a frenzy. Russell Westbrook struggled mightily during that period, scoring just six points on 1 of 5 shooting from the field. He also was careless with the basketball, committing a total of five turnovers.
Westbrook-led rally falls short for Lakers
There is no quit with the Lakers, though, as they staged a furious comeback in the third quarter. Westbrook made the necessary adjustments during the halftime break, recording 18 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals in the third quarter. In that period, Westbrook shot 7 of 10 from the floor and turned the ball over just once to help the Lakers slice the deficit to two points entering the fourth.
Westbrook continued his fine play in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out two assists to keep the game close for the Lakers. Unfortunately for Westbrook, his teammates were now the ones who struggled with their shots in the payoff period. The rest of the Lakers shot just 5 of 19 from the field, including 2 of 11 from deep.
That proved costly for the Lakers as the Knicks managed to hold on for the six-point win. New York spoiled Westbrook's performance which saw him record his fourth triple-double of the season. He finished the game with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Errors, however, continued to hound Westbrook's game as he recorded six turnovers against the Knicks.
Related Article: NBA Hands One Game Suspension on LeBron James for Hit on Isaiah Stewart; to Miss Lakers vs Knicks at MSG
LeBron James to return against Indiana Pacers
The good news for the Lakers is that they will get James back for their showdown against the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers are 4-7 this season when James is out of the lineup. It has been a rough start to the season for the four-time NBA champion, who has been plagued by ankle and abdominal injuries. He was also suspended for the first time in his career after he swung an elbow on Isaiah Stewart in the game against the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers have struggled on the road this season, losing five of their seven away games. They are 1-3 in this road trip, with their lone win coming against the woeful Pistons. For the Lakers to end their road trip on a high note, they will need to get much-improved performances from Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony.
Davis woke up with a fever before Tuesday's game and only scored 20 points against the Knicks. In his return to the Big Apple, Anthony looked out of sorts, scoring just 12 points on 3 of 14 shooting from the field.
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