Game Info:
New York Knicks (2-4) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1-4)
Madison Square Garden (3:30)
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPN NY 98.7
Knicks Report:
Still in search of their first home win after three tries, the Knicks finally get a shot against a non-playoff team from a year ago. They've emerged with a 2-4 record after facing some of the NBA's best teams to start the season, and today they'll look to notch an MSG victory against the Lakers before they hit the road for a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back this week.
The Knicks had a shot in Friday night's 99-92 loss to Milwaukee -- Carmelo Anthony spoke about missed opportunities in his post-game interview -- but couldn't get over the hump after clawing back from an early 11-point deficit and tying the game multiple times in the 4th quarter. Anthony scored 17 points, but struggled at times with the length of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 20 and 7 rebounds.
Kristaps Porzingis recorded his second career double-double, with 14 points and 13 rebounds, but he and his front-court mates weren't able to contain John Henson, who came of the Bucks' bench to lead all scorers with 22 points. Porzingis also added two more emphatic put-back dunks to his rapidly growing highlight reel.
News and Notes:
- Arron Afflalo spoke to reporters briefly after Friday's game, saying he would practice on Saturday (he did) and expects to make his season debut on the upcoming road trip, if not today. We'll keep you posted if Derek Fisher and the medical staff do decide to green light the shooting guard.
- Langston Galloway shot 3-for-9 against Milwaukee, but got to the free throw line seven times and finished with 13 points and 7 boards. His 32 minutes off the bench led all Knicks guards.
- Robin Lopez keyed the Knicks' offense early, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the first half, but played only 22 minutes in Friday's loss. His presence down low could be a key factor against Lakers center Roy Hibbert.
- After he missed the last two contests due to injury, Knicks fans will be excited to see future Hall-of-Famer Kobe Bryant play in L.A.'s annual appearance at Madison Square Garden. Bryant's 61 points were an MSG record until Anthony scored 62 two seasons ago, and the Black Mamba holds a handful of other free-throw related records at the Mecca. The 37-year-old has logged 20 NBA seasons and has not publicly announced if he'll continue to play after this season. He's averaging 16.2 points but shooting just 32.1 percent so far this year.
- The Lakers' future likely hinges on the growth of a trio of young players: 2014-15 1st team All-Rookie Jordan Clarkson, 2015 No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell, and 2014 lottery selection Julius Randle. Clarkson (17.8 PPG) has emerged as arguably the teams's best player and Randle is averaging 14 points and 8 boards after breaking his leg in his first NBA game. Russell is still finding his way in a crowded backcourt rotation.