Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) shoots over New York Knicks’ Precious Achiuwa (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in New York. The Lakers won 113-105.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James scored 24 points and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away down the stretch to beat New York 113-105 Saturday night, snapping the Knicks’ nine-game winning streak.
Austin Reaves had 22 points, D’Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince each scored 16, and Anthony Davis finished with 12 points and 18 rebounds as the Lakers won their second straight to move above .500 (26-25).
“We ’re just trying to get to a place where we’re trying to get to a place where we’re playing the type of basketball we envisioned,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “The type of basketball we know we’re capable of and defend at a high, high level. That’s (going to) give you a chance every night. And we’ve got enough firepower in terms of people in the starting lineup, people coming off the bench to where we’re (going to) be able to put points on the board.”
Jalen Brunson scored 36 points to lead New York (32-18), and Donte DiVincenzo had 26 before fouling out. Josh Hart had 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Precious Achiuwa added 10 points.
“We didn’t make enough plays on both sides of the ball,” Brunson said. “Give them credit.”
The game was tight throughout and the Knicks led 86-80 after three quarters, but the Lakers scored the first seven points of the fourth to go ahead. It went back and forth with New York taking its last lead at 96-94 on DiVencenzo’s 3-pointer with 7:25 remaining.
“The start of the fourth, we’re up six,” Thibodeau said. “There was a big turnover, we gave up a 3 in transition. They got momentum, and it turned the game right there.”
Prince’s three-point play 19 seconds later started Los Angeles’ game-clinching 11-0 run, capped by James’ fadeaway jumper for a 105-96…
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