An injury for the star of the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson, casts a shadow on exciting action in crypto.com Arena
By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
Following a late rally to force overtime, the Los Angeles Lakers topped the New York Knicks, 113-109, in crypto.com Arena.
Listed as questionable due to a right knee contusion, Slovenian Luka Doncic was medically cleared to play on Thursday and scored 32 points, including five straight to set the pace in the five extra minutes en route to an eighth straight win in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
“I know the first two minutes in overtime are really important. When you get a good start, then it’s easy to win the game,” he described his five quick points to start overtime.
Lasting 43 minutes, the 26-year-old combo guard ended up with 9/23 from the field, besides 12 assists, seven rebounds, and four assists. German teammate Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery) remained sidelined, and Ukrainian Alex Len did not play.
Packing a game-high 39 points for the visitors, Jalen Brunson hurt his right ankle and was forced to an early exit after banking in two free throws from an attached foul by Austin Reaves. Dealing with a left thumb sprain, British O.G. Anunoby finished with 20 points, four rebounds, one block, and one assist. In contrast, German Ariel Hukporti (left knee surgery) is stuck on the injury list, and French Pacome Dadiet (assignment) was inactive.
Franz Wagner nets 18 points
Behind a career-high 44 points by Coby White, the Chicago Bulls edged out the Orlando Magic, 125-123, in Kia Center. Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic (right calf strain) remained sidelined. Lithuanian Matas Buzelis went over 29 minutes as a starter for the team coached by Billy Donovan, putting in 11 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.
On the losing end, German Franz Wagner ended up with 18 points, six assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block. Georgian Goga Bitadze had eight points, three assists, one block, and one rebound. German Tristan da Silva registered six points, three assists, and two rebounds. German Moritz Wagner (left knee surgery) was out.
