The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-112 on Sunday, December 11. What did we learn about the Knicks during this clash of iconic organizations?
The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most underrated rivalries in NBA history. It’s become far less prominent in the decades since, but the Knicks and Lakers met in the NBA Finals on five different occasions between 1952 and 1973.
New York and Los Angeles aren’t exactly titans of the NBA in 2016-17, but Phil Jackson is attempting to build his new team to the same heights as his former squad reached.
On Sunday, December 11, New York and Los Angeles resumed the rivalry with a clash at Staples Center. The future of the NBA was well represented with both teams turning to their young players and rising stars.
Both also tasked their veterans with stepping up and providing crucial contributions with both teams in need of a win.
The Knicks won this battle of head coaches in their first season with their respective teams. Jeff Hornacek outdueled Luke Walton as the Knicks improved to 14-10 overall and 5-6 on the road with the 118-112 shootout victory.
The question is: what did we learn from the New York Knicks’ clash with the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11?