Tag: Starting

This article was pulled from our Starting 5 Newsletter, a daily look at all things NBA. To get the newsletter in your inbox every morning, subscribe here.

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SURGING SQUADS MEET ON ABC: KNICKS vs. LAKERS TONIGHT

One game back of the Nuggets for 4th place in the West and one win shy of their first 8-2 stretch of the season, the Lakers enter Saturday playing some of their best ball of 2024-25.

The Knicks ride into Saturday on a five-game heater, just 1.5 games back of the Celtics for 2nd-place in the East – a spot Boston has held since October.

Tonight on ABC those two hot streaks will collide at MSG (8:30 ET).

Big Apple Buckets: In their last three outings, the Knicks have totaled 408 points (122, 143, 143) – the most across a three-game stretch in franchise history.

The catalysts? Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns – the first Knicks to both be named All-Star starters in the same season since Walt Frazier & Earl Monroe (1974-75).

• Combining for 50.5 ppg, Brunson (25.9) and Towns (24.6) are on pace to become the first Knicks tandem to average 50+ points in a season since Willie Naulls and Richie Guerin in 1961-62
• Their Key To Success? Operating inside, as Brunson ranks 2nd in the NBA in drives this season (18.8 per game) and 4th in ppg off drives (11.9)
• KAT, meanwhile, ranks 9th in points in the paint with 13.0 ppg – the most since his second NBA season
• The Result? Closer – and cleaner – looks, as New York ranks 4th in made 2-point field goals (30.6) and 2nd in 2-point FG% (57.1)

While Brunson and Towns lead the charge, the Knicks’ potent offense is equally fueled by their relentless supporting cast, which thrives on turning hustle plays into hard-earned points.

• Offense To Defense: New York ranks 24th in pace but capitalizes on its opportunities to run better than almost anybody, ranking 3rd in ppg off turnovers (20.0)
• Creating Chaos: Those caused turnovers stem from three elite defenders – Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges – who lead the team in steals, respectively
• “I think we’re at our best when we’re getting turnovers,” said KAT earlier this week. “And we’re having that translate to our offense.”

New York’s starting 5 of Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby and Towns leads all five-man units in scoring with 47.7 ppg when they’re all on the floor together (min 5 GP). Many of those points come from extra possessions earned by Hart.

• All Heart: Hart (listed as questionable for tonight) shines on the glass, ranking 2nd in offensive rebounds among guards (105), resulting in 14.3 second-chance ppg for New York
• All Effort: He’s also recovered 57 loose balls this season, 12 more than the next closest player
• All-Around Results: Hart entered 2024-25 with six career triple-doubles. Through 47 games this season, he has six more. In those outings, the Knicks are 6-0
• “I think Josh Hart is the heart and soul of this team,” said Towns earlier this week. “There’s so much more that he does that doesn’t come up on the stat sheet.”

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LEBRON TAKES CENTER STAGE AT MSG

For the Lakers, who will be without All-Star center Anthony Davis (abdomen), L.A. will look to a familiar face to lead the way.

One who has done some of his best work at The World’s Most Famous Arena.

For two decades now, NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James has delivered at MSG, leaving fans of both teams in awe.

Can he deliver again tonight to help keep the Lakers’ hot streak going?

• The King Of MSG: In 30 career regular-season games at “The Mecca,” James has averaged 28.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists
• No other player in NBA history, whether playing for the Knicks or an opponent, has averages of 28/6/6 at MSG
• James has done it over the course of 21 seasons

Alongside his unprecedented averages at the Garden is a 22-8 record and totals across the board that showcase his legendary all-around game.

And LeBron’s MSG legacy isn’t just about numbers — it’s built on nearly a quarter century of show-stopping moments, from 50-pieces to soaring tomahawks.

Before he takes the floor tonight (8:30 ET, ABC), let’s relive some of his most iconic plays at one of basketball’s most iconic venues.

2009: One year after hanging 50 at MSG, a 24-year-old LeBron took it up a notch, dropping 52 with his raw athleticism on full display.

2013: At the peak of his powers, James submits a dagger vs. New York with a vintage steal and slam. The hangtime, the force, the flair…

2015: And how about breaking down guards before flying up and around bigs for a casual double-clutch finish?

In his latest chapter at the World’s Most Famous Arena, what will the King have in store?