Knicks Begin West Coast Stand Against a Proficient Lakers Team
The Knicks have been very interesting as of late as they knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies due to dramatic late-game heroics from OG Anunoby. They then traveled to Miami to take on the Heat and overcame a 19-point deficit once again on the back of Anunoby and Jalen Brunson. Then most recently lost to a tough Golden State Warriors team in which they were unable to slow down MSG assassin Stephen Curry. They continue a very tough schedule this Thursday when they take on the new look star-studded Lakers team in what looks to be an opportunity to make a statement under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
Game Insight
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on a seven-game win streak and have looked nearly impossible to defeat since the addition of generational talent, Luka Doncic. Yet, it’s interesting that all these seven wins have come against Western Conference teams. The New York Knicks are ready for this game after a tough loss to Golden State and need to prove themselves against this daunting team and this game is the perfect opportunity to do so. They may, however, have to win without Karl-Anthony Towns who missed the last game due to personal reasons and is a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. We can expect OG Anunoby to continue his dominating play here and have a true influence on the end result.
Key Matchup
Two superstar guards look to do battle on Thursday night, and these players are very familiar with each other's game. Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson were both drafted in 2018 and landed with the Dallas Mavericks with Doncic being the third overall pick and Brunson getting drafted at 33rd. They spent four years playing together and have truly made household names for themselves since then. It will be essential for each of them to be able to contain the other if they want their team to win this game. Whoever is able to score at a more efficient and constant rate will provide a clear upper hand for their organization.
