ESPN described this game as “Another breezy blowout win” for the Lakers, which became “much less fun” when Anthony Davis took a bad fall in the 3rd quarter and had to leave the game. Xrays proved negative — that he had suffered a “bruised sacrum” aka tailbone. The Lakers were having him take an immediate MRI after the xray.
And that was the main story of this game. The Knicks were down by 5 after 1 quarter; down by 17 at the half. LA played a suffocating defense and LeBron James (31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) led the Laker charge.
Good News: Barrett Excels
Good news was that RJ Barrett had a terrific game, and took charge in the 3rd quarter — the Knicks outscored LA in the 3rd, 25-23, to pull within 15 at the end of 3 quarters.
That euro too nice @RjBarrett6 pic.twitter.com/DbawjLARQ2
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 8, 2020
Barrett continues to show he knows how to score; any which way, and he will attack at any opportunity. Plus he defends well, and has a good feel for the game with good passing to set up teammates.
Bank is open 🏦 pic.twitter.com/ukfv5FO3jD
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 8, 2020
Vogel & Defense & Blocked Shots
But the Lakers laid down more suffocating defense — they are well coached by Frank Vogel — and romped to the “breezy win” — outscoring the Knicks 32-17 in the 4th. With Dwight Howard having a great season coming off the bench behind Anthony Davis, and JaVale McGee starting up front with Davis — the Lakers lead the league in blocked shots. They blocked 11 in this game; Howard got 5.
Morris Out; Payton Back
The Knicks were without Marcus Morris, who was coming off the fantastic 38-point game; he was out with neck soreness. Kevin Knox did not take advantage of extra minutes — he had a rough night — 1-7 shooting for 2 points in 19 minutes; he was even 0-4 from the free throw line. His confidence seems shot.
Elfrid Payton was back starting at the point. It was good to have him and his penetrations back, but the Knicks really missed Morris. Reggie Bullock took Morris’ spot in the starting rotation, but was only 3-9 for 7 points. Julius Randle was 5-16 for 15 points, 10 boards.
Too smooth, @elfrid pic.twitter.com/E3pvGGmRMd
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 8, 2020
Robinson Leads League in Field Goal Percentage
Mitchell Robinson was 3-3 from the floor and 2-2 from the free throw line for 8 pts, 6 rebounds in 26 minutes — his perfect shooting night increased his league leading field goal percentage to .709. His free throw percentage is at .622 — he is getting better and better there. He did not have a blocked shot in 26 minutes but picked up 3 steals.
Allonzo Trier saw 12 minutes of action, mostly in the 4th quarter — he was 2-7 but pulled in a -15 as the Knicks were trounced in that 4th quarter.
Etcetera
After the game, in the wee hours of the morning NY time — it was reported that the Lakers have offered Anthony Davis a max extension, but he has turned it down — intent to be a free agent this summer. So maybe it was a great night after all for the Knicks.
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