Lakers are learning how bright their future with Luka Dončić can be https://t.co/Xd1OccoCmS— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 7, 2025
Lakers learning how bright their future with Luka can be
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March 7, 2025 1 Comment
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From the above article:
The Lakers look drastically different from the last time they played the Knicks, but the results were the same.
“Our guys just stayed the course and refused to give in and let go of the rope,” Redick said. “Seemed like [Jalen] Brunson had an answer for everything. He was fantastic tonight. And our guys, in what felt like a playoff game at times, really just gutted out a win.”
In the first half, a victory looked like a pipe dream. LA was thoroughly outplayed and their 3-point shot was ice cold. The Lakers were 3-16 from deep after two quarters and trailed 60-51.
Even the stadium wasn’t in their favor as the New York fans arrived in droves. You could audibly hear MVP chants every time Jalen Brunson took free throws and echoes of “Duce!” every time Knicks guard Miles McBride took a deep shot.
With 17 turnovers on the night and Austin Reaves notably rusty after returning from a calf injury, it looked like this wouldn’t be LA’s night. The Knicks are a good team and with shots not falling, there’s no shame in losing.
However, the Lakers never gave in to that kind of thinking.
It was heard on the ESPN broadcast that during a timeout as coach JJ Redick told his players, “We’re gonna make our run. Keep our poise.”
And then it finally happened.
To end the third quarter, Knecht hit a 3-pointer, bringing the Lakers within single digits. In the fourth, momentum shifted as Reaves knocked down a corner three. Later in the period, Gabe Vincent converted on a 3-pointer to complete the comeback and take the lead with 1:21 minutes left to play.
The Lakers needed overtime to get the job done, but Luka came out blazing to start the extra session, scoring five straight points. On his three that forced New York to call timeout, he was as demonstartive as can be, yelling after the clutch shot and sensing the victory was closing in.