Luka Doncic reflected on the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. “Since the start of the game, I think everybody was very locked in, especially on defensive end. We did a great job, you know, hold a team like New York Knicks under 100 is pretty amazing for us,” he said.
Doncic credited his teammates for influencing his own performance. “I mean just JJ mentioned it before the season… we’re number one in charges, which is pretty awesome. Just trying to copy Marcus and AR,” he explained, referring to Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves. He highlighted the Lakers’ defensive improvement over the season: “We just talk about it during the season, a lot that we definitely need to be a better defensive team. And I think we’re showing you that we can do it.”
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Doncic said, “It’s a pretty awesome win for sure. They just beat the Nuggets by 40… so I think it’s a pretty big win for us. Gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.” He also praised Reaves’ aggressive play: “It’s just great being his teammate… he draws so much attention, helps others too. Playing with him makes my life easier.”
Doncic recognized the team’s resilience despite travel and fatigue. “I think it says a lot about the team… honestly I think we missed a lot of good shots that we could have made. It was not a perfect game but, you know, we fight at the defensive end,” he said, underscoring the Lakers’ commitment to energy and effort.
He also explained the mindset behind his standout three-pointer over OG Anunoby. “I’m tired, too… when it left my hand, I had a good feeling. I’m not going to say I knew it was going in, but I had a good feeling. Those are sometimes those type of shots I make. I practiced them,” Doncic said, highlighting his preparation and confidence in clutch moments.
Doncic’s 35 points and eight rebounds led the Lakers, who overcame the absence of LeBron James due to a bruised left elbow and left foot injury. Reaves added 25 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed 13 points, helping the team maintain a lead despite a fourth-quarter slump when New York cut a 23-point deficit to 10.
The Lakers take on Minnesota on Tuesday, looking to build on their fourth consecutive victory, while the Knicks face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
