The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t shoot the lights out overall, but they controlled this game thanks to strong performances from their backcourt and timely shooting from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 60 points, carrying the offense while the Lakers created separation early and never let the New York Knicks seriously threaten a comeback.
The difference ultimately came from the perimeter. While New York struggled badly from three-point range, Los Angeles knocked down 15 threes and forced 19 turnovers. That extra efficiency allowed the Lakers to build a lead that reached 23 points at one stage and control the game from start to finish.
Luka Doncic: A
Game Stats: 35 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 6 TOV, 11-25 FG, 5-16 3PT, 8-10 FT, 38 MIN
Doncic once again served as the engine of the Lakers’ offense. He created scoring opportunities from the start, mixing drives, step-back threes, and trips to the free-throw line. Even though his three-point percentage wasn’t particularly efficient, he kept firing and still finished with five makes from deep. The Knicks had trouble slowing him down whenever he got into rhythm, and his scoring bursts helped the Lakers build the lead that ultimately decided the game.
Austin Reaves: A-
Game Stats: 25 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TOV, 8-16 FG, 3-6 3PT, 6-7 FT, 39 MIN
Reaves delivered one of his most complete performances of the night. He looked confident attacking the basket, knocked down a few big three-pointers, and contributed defensively with three steals. What stood out most was how controlled his game felt; he made smart decisions with the ball and avoided mistakes while still being aggressive offensively. His scoring alongside Doncic gave the Lakers a reliable one-two punch.
Rui Hachimura: B+
Game Stats: 13 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 1 TOV, 5-11 FG, 3-8 3PT, 37 MIN
Rui Hachimura had a quiet but steady night. He spaced the floor with a few three-pointers and also helped on the glass with seven rebounds. While he wasn’t the focal point of the offense, he consistently made the right play and provided useful minutes on both ends of the floor.
Luke Kennard: B+
Game Stats: 12 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 2 TOV, 4-8 FG, 3-7 3PT, 1-1 FT, 27 MIN
Kennard gave the Lakers a nice scoring boost off the bench. His ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting helped open driving lanes for the team’s primary playmakers. Whenever the offense slowed down, his perimeter shooting helped keep the defense honest.
Deandre Ayton: B
Game Stats: 6 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK, 3-4 FG, 20 MIN
The Lakers perimeter scoring was Ayton’s strong defense and presence under the ring. He was able to get a steady supply of rebounds, some blocks, and efficient scoring around the basket which completed the team quite well.
Jake LaRavia: B-
Game Stats: 6 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 1 TOV, 2-2 FG, 2-2 FT, 13 MIN
LaRavia made the most of his minutes. He didn’t take many shots, but he finished the chances he had and also chipped in with rebounds and playmaking. His hustle and ball movement helped keep the second unit organized.
Jaxson Hayes: B-
Game Stats: 5 PTS, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 0-3 FG, 5-6 FT, 17 MIN
Despite Hayes putting in some work getting to the line 5 of 6, he didn’t have much to contribute towards the success of his team with the exception of knocking down 1 of 3 shots, as well as some rebounds and defense.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B-
Game Stats: 3 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK, 1-2 FG, 1-2 3PT, 10 MIN
Having played a shorter stint, Vanderbilt played his classic defensive role. Conceded a shooting range, and stowed a block. Short, but intellectually made use of the minutes.
Marcus Smart: C+
Game Stats: 5 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 1 TOV, 1-10 FG, 0-5 3PT, 3-4 FT, 29 MIN
He had a hard night of shooting, but did other things to contribute, especially with the assists and defense. The two steals and four assists Smart earned actually helped the Lakers to stay locked in on defense, even when the scoring just wasn’t there.
Maxi Kleber: C-
Game Stats: 1 STL, 10 MIN
Kleber had a pretty tiny role in this game and didn’t take a shot. You just didn’t have the opportunity to leave a bigger mark statistically.
