The New York Knicks are starting to look like a team that’s found its rhythm-and they’re playing with the kind of confidence that makes you think their early-season NBA Cup win wasn’t a high point, but a launching pad.
On Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks took care of business with a 112-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, extending their win streak to six and improving to 31-18 on the season. While the Lakers wrapped up a grueling eight-game road trip with a 4-2 record, they dropped to 29-19 overall and slipped to seventh in the Western Conference standings.
This one was all about the third quarter. New York came out of the halftime locker room with purpose, outscoring L.A. 38-26 in the frame and never looking back. It was a textbook display of how to seize momentum and close the door on a team still trying to find its footing on the road.
OG Anunoby led the charge with a performance that’s becoming increasingly familiar to Knicks fans. He dropped 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep, while also pulling down eight rebounds, handing out three assists, and swiping three steals. That’s now four games with 20-plus points in his last five outings-Anunoby’s not just fitting in, he’s thriving.
Josh Hart brought his usual energy and then some, finishing with 20 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting night. He hit three of his four attempts from beyond the arc and chipped in four boards and two assists. Hart’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways continues to be a key ingredient in the Knicks’ recent surge.
Karl-Anthony Towns quietly did what stars do-he anchored the paint with a double-double: 11 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. His presence on the glass and ability to facilitate from the high post gave New York a steady interior option all night.
Jalen Brunson didn’t have his best shooting night, but he still found ways to leave a mark-finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high 13 assists. Even when the shot isn’t falling, Brunson’s floor generalship keeps the Knicks offense humming.
Mikal Bridges added 10 points and two assists, playing his role with the kind of consistency that’s made him a valuable two-way contributor.
And then there was Landry Shamet. Off the bench, he came in hot and stayed that way, dropping 23 points to give the Knicks a much-needed scoring punch from the second unit. Performances like that can swing games, and Shamet delivered.
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic did what Luka does-30 points, 15 rebounds, and a relentless effort to keep his team in it. He shot 10-of-23 from the field and 5-of-14 from three, but the Knicks made him work for every bucket.
LeBron James added 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists, showing his usual blend of scoring and playmaking, but the Lakers never found the extra gear they needed in the second half.
Deandre Ayton contributed 13 points and five boards, while Rui Hachimura chipped in 11 points. Jake LaRavia had a quiet night, finishing with five points.
This wasn’t just a win for the Knicks-it was a statement. They’re playing connected basketball, getting contributions across the board, and showing the kind of depth and versatility that makes them a real threat in the East. If this version of the Knicks sticks around, they’re going to be a problem come playoff time.