Key Takeaways:
- OG Anunoby scored 25 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 112-100
- LeBron James, in his 32nd regular-season appearance at Madison Square Garden, recorded 22 points, six assists and five rebounds
- The Knicks secured their sixth consecutive win, equalling their season-best streak
Knicks Extend Win Streak Over Lakers at MSG
The New York Knicks produced an assertive performance on Sunday night to secure a 112-100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, spoiling LeBron James’ 32nd regular-season visit to Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby led the scoring for New York with 25 points while Landry Shamet added 23 points to bolster the hosts’ offence.
Josh Hart contributed 20 points and Jalen Brunson provided a significant dual impact, registering 12 points alongside a season-high 13 assists. This comprehensive team effort enabled the Knicks to match their longest winning run of the season with a sixth consecutive triumph, most of which have been won convincingly.
no sunday scaries here 💪 pic.twitter.com/CFwDuF4u1F
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 2, 2026
LeBron’s Milestone Night Overshadowed
LeBron James, who was named as a reserve earlier Sunday for a record-setting 22nd straight NBA All-Star selection, posted 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Lakers fell short, handing James just his ninth regular-season loss at the Garden, where he now holds a 23-9 record. Heading into the contest, James had averaged 28.2 points, 7.6 assists and 7.0 rebounds in regular-season games at MSG.
With speculation surrounding whether this season will be James’ last, anticipation for his return to MSG drove ticket prices to notable highs, with seats in the upper levels exceeding $500 and those near the floor fetching thousands. The game’s significance was further heightened by its status as the opening broadcast for NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball” schedule, ensuring a national audience.
Third Quarter Surge Secures Knicks’ Advantage
The game took a pivotal turn in the third quarter as the Knicks outpaced the Lakers 38-26. This period was marked by a sequence of three consecutive fast-break baskets followed by a trio of three-pointers from Shamet, Brunson and Anunoby, spurring a decisive 15-5 run that saw New York enter the fourth quarter with a 90-82 lead.
Noteworthy Player Performances
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic registered 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. The contest took place exactly one year after the Lakers’ previous visit to New York, which coincided with the announcement of the major trade with Dallas that brought Doncic to Los Angeles. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks after being named an All-Star reserve.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OG Anunoby | Knicks | 25 | 8 | 3 |
| Landry Shamet | Knicks | 23 | 3 | 1 |
| Josh Hart | Knicks | 20 | 4 | 2 |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 12 | 7 | 13 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 11 | 13 | 4 |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 22 | 5 | 6 |
| Luka Doncic | Lakers | 30 | 15 | 8 |
Looking Ahead
The Los Angeles Lakers will travel to Brooklyn for a Tuesday night fixture, while the New York Knicks will visit Washington on the same night.
