Doncic Dazzles in Overtime: Scores 32 as Lakers Edge Knicks 113-109 for Eighth Straight Win

After staging a late comeback to push the game into overtime, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the New York Knicks with a score of 113-109 at Crypto.com Arena.

Despite being listed as questionable due to a right knee contusion, Slovenian star Luka Doncic received medical clearance to compete on Thursday, finishing the night with 32 points. He contributed five consecutive points that set the tone for the extra five minutes, helping to secure the Lakers’ eighth consecutive victory in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.

“The initial two minutes of overtime are crucial. If you start strong, it makes it easier to clinch the win,” he remarked about his quick scoring outburst at the start of overtime.

Playing for 43 minutes, the 26-year-old guard shot 9-for-23 from the field, while also providing 12 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. His teammate from Germany, Maxi Kleber, is still recovering from foot surgery, and Ukrainian Alex Len did not make an appearance.

Jalen Brunson led the scoring for the Knicks with a game-high 39 points, but he injured his right ankle and had to exit early after converting two free throws following a foul by Austin Reaves. British player O.G. Anunoby, dealing with a left thumb sprain, contributed 20 points, along with four rebounds, one block, and one assist. Meanwhile, German Ariel Hukporti is on the injury report due to left knee surgery, and French player Pacome Dadiet was inactive.

In another matchup, the Chicago Bulls narrowly defeated the Orlando Magic 125-123 at Kia Center, powered by Coby White’s career-high 44-point performance. Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic was unavailable due to a right calf strain, while Lithuanian Matas Buzelis played over 29 minutes as a starter, contributing 11 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two assists for head coach Billy Donovan’s squad.

On the losing side, German Franz Wagner recorded 18 points, six assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block. Georgian Goga Bitadze added eight points, along with three assists, one block, and one rebound. German Tristan da Silva ended the game with six points, three assists, and two rebounds. German Moritz Wagner is currently sidelined following left knee surgery.

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