Thanks to 63 combined points from Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, the visiting New York Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Randle shot 11-24 from the field, after getting off to a quick start, totaling 33 points and eight rebounds to lead the way.
R.J. Barrett shot poorly from 3-point range going 3-12 but was able to make up for it by scoring 20 of his 30 points in the second half. D’Angelo Russell had a season-high 33 points, in starting the game red hot, before going ice cold in the fourth quarter while only recording two points.
The loss snapped the Lakers three-game win streak.
L.A. made a late fourth quarter run, scoring eight straight points down the stretch. Cutting New York’s ten-point lead down to two, with 19.3 seconds remaining in the game, following a Dennis Schroder layup.
Former Laker Josh Hart now with the Knicks, sealed the game with two made free throws making it a four-point deficit after the Lakers took 14 seconds to commit the foul. Anthony Davis struggled despite tallying 17 points and 16 rebounds. Davis shot 8-18 from the floor with a season worst 1-5 from the free throw line.
“My play, I played terrible. Couldn’t fine my shot, free throws, layups, three-pointer’s. It’s my fault, I just missed a lot of shots”. Davis said in his post-game interview.
New York currently holds the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Brooklyn Nets.
The Lakers drop from the 9th seed to a four-way tie at the 11th seed after the close loss. Lebron James missed his seventh straight game with a sore right foot. While New York’s second leading scorer Jalen Brunson was out tonight, still nursing a foot injury.