The energy inside Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2024, was honestly ridiculous. You had the New York Knicks coming in on a massive nine-game winning streak, looking like the hottest team in the league. Everyone expected them to just steamroll the Lakers. Instead, LeBron James and Austin Reaves decided to play spoiler in a 113-105 victory that basically flipped the script on the Knicks' season momentum. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
The Night the Lakers Ruined the Knicks’ Streak
Most people forget that the Lakers were hovering around .500 at the time. They were the underdogs. But something clicked that night in Manhattan. LeBron James put up 24 points, though it wasn't just about his scoring. It was his presence. He played 40 minutes at age 39. Let that sink in for a second.
The Knicks led 86-80 heading into the fourth quarter. The Garden was ready to explode. But then, the Lakers' defense turned into a literal wall. Anthony Davis was everywhere. He finished with 12 points and a staggering 18 rebounds. He also swatted four shots.
Why Austin Reaves Was the Real Problem for New York
If you ask a Knicks fan what went wrong, they'll probably mention Austin Reaves. He was a menace. Reaves scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter alone. He hit these cold-blooded shots that just sucked the life out of the crowd.
💡 You might also like: Saturday NFL Football Scores: What Really Happened With the Broncos and Seahawks
- 22 Points total for Reaves.
- 7 Assists to keep the offense moving.
- 6 Rebounds from a guy who shouldn't be out-jumping bigs.
- 2 Blocks that surprised everyone.
Honestly, the way he navigated the floor was impressive. James Worthy even called it "his team to handle the ball" after the game. High praise from a legend.
Jalen Brunson vs. The Double Team
Jalen Brunson is a magician, truly. He dropped 36 points and 10 assists. He was keeping the Knicks afloat almost single-handedly because they were missing OG Anunoby and Julius Randle. The Lakers knew this.
Darvin Ham threw constant double teams at Brunson in the fourth. It worked. The Knicks went nearly seven minutes without a single point in the final period. Seven minutes! In the NBA, that’s an eternity. Donte DiVincenzo tried to help out with 26 points, but he eventually fouled out, leaving Brunson on an island.
👉 See also: A qué horas juega Estados Unidos: El calendario real y dónde ver los partidos hoy
The Momentum Shift
New York’s offense just evaporated. They shot 41% from the field compared to the Lakers' 49%. When you give LeBron James a 49% shooting night, you’re asking for trouble.
- Lakers start the 4th with a 7-0 run.
- Taurean Prince hits a huge three-point play.
- LeBron hits a signature fadeaway to put the Lakers up 105-96 with two minutes left.
- The Knicks’ nine-game win streak officially dies.
Breaking Down the "Garden Effect"
Playing at MSG is different. Every player says it. LeBron loves it there. He treats it like his second home. But the 2024 matchup was deeper than just star power. It was about depth. D’Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince both chipped in 16 points.
The Knicks were gassed. They had been playing short-handed for weeks, and the intensity of the Lakers' defense finally broke them. Josh Hart grabbed 11 rebounds, and Precious Achiuwa fought hard, but the Lakers were just more surgical when it mattered.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
There’s a narrative that the Knicks "choked." Kinda unfair. They were missing their defensive anchor in Anunoby. Without him, the Lakers had way too much space to operate. It wasn't a collapse; it was a mismatch of available talent that night.
Also, people act like AD had a bad game because he only scored 12. Total nonsense. His 18 rebounds and defensive gravity were the only reason the Lakers could afford to double Brunson. If AD doesn't hold down the paint, that strategy fails instantly.
Looking Forward: How to Watch Future Matchups
If you’re trying to catch the next chapter of this rivalry, keep an eye on the schedule for late 2025 and early 2026. The games usually air on ABC or ESPN, especially when they’re at the Garden.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Injury Report: Both teams have struggled with health. If Anunoby and Davis aren't both on the floor, the game dynamic changes entirely.
- Watch the Fourth Quarter Defense: The Lakers proved that trapping the primary ball-handler is the blueprint to beat the Knicks.
- Track Austin Reaves' Growth: He’s no longer just a "role player" in these big-market games; he's often the closer.
- Monitor the Standings: These mid-season games often decide who gets to avoid the Play-In tournament.
The Lakers vs Knicks 2024 showdown wasn't just another regular-season game. It was the night the Lakers proved they could still hang with the elite, and the Knicks realized just how much they needed a healthy roster to sustain a winning streak.