Three iconic NBA franchises were front and center in today’s action, and they didn’t disappoint, coming away with thrilling comeback victories in a wild day of NBA action. Here’s our daily notables:
Lakers Complete Comeback vs. Knicks with OT Win
Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for 63 points to power the Los Angeles Lakers (40-21) to a 113-109 triumph over the New York Knicks (40-22) in overtime at crypto.com Arena.
Doncic finished with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals and had five of the Lakers’ 14 points in OT. James had 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists and Los Angeles’ final four points. Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht fired 12 and 11, respectively, for the Lakers, who were trailing 90-80 with 6:57 left in regulation. They then went on a 19-6 run to send the game to OT.
Jalen Brunson topscored for the Knicks with a game-high 39 points on top of 10 assists. OG Anunoby added 20, while Josh Hart chipped in 18 points and 10 rebounds. He also hit what would have been the game-winner but was waved off as it came a tick too late.
The Lakers have now won eight straight and are 9-2 after acquiring Doncic.
Up next:
Lakers vs. Boston Celtics on March 9
Knicks vs. Los Angeles Clippers on March 8
Warriors Buck Early Deficit to Beat Nets
Steph Curry fired 40 big points to lead the Golden State Warriors (35-28) past the Brooklyn Nets (21-41) despite trailing by 22 early in the first quarter.
The Warriors were still down 35-15 after one but nearly wiped out the deficit thanks to a 40-25 second quarter. The two teams battled on more or less even terms the rest of the way, with Golden State notching the win on the strength of a 35-30 fourth quarter.
Jimmy Butler added 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Draymond Green put up 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. Gary Payton II had 16 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Cam Johnson led the Nets with 26 points and 6 rebounds, while Cam Thomas added 23 points and 7 boards.
Up next:
Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons on March 9
Nets vs. Charlotte Hornets on March 9
Bulls Rally Past Magic Behind Coby White’s Career Game
Coby White put up a career-best 44 points and completely took over in the endgame to lead the Chicago Bulls (25-38) to a 125-123 comeback victory over the skidding Magic.
White scored the Bulls’ final nine points—two layups, a dunk, and a triple—to complete their fourth quarter comeback from nine points down. Tre Jones added 20 points, while Josh Giddey put up 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in another superb all-around game.
Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony had 20 each for the Magic, who now have lost five straight and six of their last seven. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Franz Wagner chipped in 19 and 18, respectively.
Up next:
Bulls vs. Miami Heat on March 9
Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks on March 9
