Lakers 101, Knicks 99 (OT): Postgame Reaction
The Knicks played a grind-it-out, ‘90s-style game on the road in Los Angeles, ultimately running out of steam and losing, 101-99, to the Lakers to end their road trip with a 3-3 record.
One paragraph to describe the game
This was the epitome of a back-and-forth game, and the second straight game the Knicks have played with a real playoff atmosphere. Thanks to the starter at the 1 spot, the Knicks started the game in a funk, as is tradition. Once Derrick Rose checked in in both halves, things got much better. Julius Randle continued playing like an All-NBA player, but he did have some struggles with Anthony Davis guarding him, perhaps one of only two or three players in the league that can take him 1-on-1 right now. Still, it took a big shot from Talen Horton-Tucker to win this one for the Lakers in overtime, and the Knicks find themselves one more win away from locking up at least a top six seed in the East.
Game ball
Derrick Rose: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Poor Derrick Rose. Because of the insistence on playing Elfrid Payton to start each half, Rose is basically tasked with playing at least two 14-minute stints each game. In a game like this one where you hit overtime too, that means Rose played 39 minutes in two segments. He really did everything he could in those minutes, too. It was obvious he was gassed down the stretch, yet still made that huge steal above, that was unfortunately fruitless. Randle had his moments, but as he has been of late, Rose was the engine in this game.
Big stat
1-12. RJ Barrett and Reggie Bullock’s combined shooting line from three. Off nights happen. It’s unfortunate when two of your best shooters have them line up, though. Hopefully both can shake it off to close this season out strong at home.
Unsung hero
Frank Ntilikina: 9 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 3-4 from three
Other significant performances
Julius Randle: 31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
