Hart’s Defense Sparks Knicks
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
The New York Knicks came from behind to win 112-100 over the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday evening at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks trailed at halftime 56-52, after pressure from the Lakers on one of the team’s leading scorers, Jalen Brunson. New York stepped up their defense in the second half and was able to defend and manage steals against the team the Lakers.
“So our physicality was there in the second half, we were locked in better with the game plan and it resulted in the Lakers scoring 44 points in that second half which was huge for us,” said Knicks head coach Mike Brown.
The Knicks scored 60 points in the second half. Lakers Coach JJ Redick attributed their early success to defense.
“The defense in the first half in our zone, we played 23 possessions of it and held them to 19 points, we did enough to put ourselves in a position to play to win in the end,” Reddick said. “Their shooting killed us, and our shooting didn’t help us.”
The Knicks had two steals in the first half and five in the second half. OG Anunoby led New York with 25 points in the game. Landry Shamet added 23 and Josh Hart added 20. Hart was named defensive player of the game.
“I thought the job we did once we went to man against [Jalen] Brunson for the most part was good all night,” Reddick said. “What did he end up with, 12 points, he’s averaging almost 30 a game.”
Luca Dončić led the Lakers with 30 points. Lebron James added 22. James was selected to play in his 22nd career All-Star Game. Karl-Anthony Towns will represent the Knicks and make his 6th NBA All-Star appearance.
The Knicks looked to extend their win streak when they took on the Washington Wizards on the road Tuesday night.
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