LeBron James put in a strong performance to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to victory against the New York Knicks in his return from knee trouble. The Wagner brothers suffered a defeat with the Orlando Magic.
The Lakers rallied to beat the New York Knicks 122-115 in overtime on Saturday (local time). James managed a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds and ten assists, the 103rd of his career, after a five-game suspension.
“He’s unbelievable,” marveled Lakers coach Frank Vogel. “The timeout did him good. We didn’t want him to play 39 minutes, which of course the overtime had an impact on. But he just played a great basketball game.”
Yet the start for the Lakers was anything but good. The visitors pushed the tempo right from the start and quickly led 21:6. Especially point guard R.J. Barrett, who was the best scorer of the game with 39 points, and former Laker Julius Randle with 32 points were not to be controlled.
In the third quarter, however, the Lakers turned a 56-71 halftime deficit into an 87-84 lead. They then extended their lead, but Barrett equalised with eight seconds left. The hosts then secured the home win in overtime to stay in ninth place in the West.
Wagner brothers concede home defeat with Orlando
The Orlando Magic of Franz and Moritz Wagner suffered a defeat at home. Against the strong Memphis Grizzlies, the Magic lost clearly with 115:135. They were already behind after the first quarter with 13 points. Franz Wagner was the third best scorer of his team with 15 points. His brother Moritz came off the bench and contributed nine points and five rebounds. After the loss, Orlando remains in last place in the Eastern Conference, while the Grizzlies remain in third place in the West.
NBA, Saturday, February 05
Orlando Magic – Memphis Grizzlies 115:135
Charlotte Hornets – Miami Heat 86:104
Washington Wizards – Phoenix Suns 80:95
Los Angeles Lakers – New York Knicks 122:115 n.V.
Portland Trail Blazers – Milwaukee Bucks 108:137
Sacramento Kings – Oklahoma City Thunder 113:103
