Knicks vs. Lakers: Halftime Thoughts from MSG - Brunson Besting LeBron?

The New York Knicks overcame early shooting issues to create a close game against the Los Angeles Lakers at MSG

Behind 16 points from Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks erased an early double-digit deficit in the first half of play against the Los Angeles Lakers in their Tuesday night matchup at Madison Square Garden. New York leads 53-52 after 24 minutes. 

Rui Hachimura has 12 points for the Lakers, who created a one-possession game on Dennis Schröder's miracle heave just in front of midcourt as the clock expired.

Knicks Leaders

• Points: Jalen Brunson (16)
  
• Assists: Julius Randle/Immanuel Quickley (3)
• Rebounds: Julius Randle (7)

Lakers Leaders

• Points: Rui Hachimura (12)
  
• Assists: LeBron James (5)
• Rebounds: LeBron James (6)

Here's to You, Mr. Robinson

For the gaming types out there, here's a little head's up for your in-game wagers: so far this season, the Knicks are 19-1 when they allow 110 points or less. That landmark has been hard to avoid with Mitchell Robinson injured but the Knicks locked down after a slow start on Tuesday. Continuing to spell Robinson in his medically induced departure, Jericho sims has hauled in three rebounds and a steal while Isaiah Hartenstein has 10 points and five rebounds. New York also holds a plus-11 when the latter is on the floor.

Los Angeles has wasted no time in showcasing its new multi-area threat in Hachimura but the Knicks' defense, energized by a strong effort from Quentin Grimes (two steals), cut off the Lakers' scoring outlets after a hot start that yielded an early 15-5 lead that was primarily built through a streak of eight consecutive successful attempts from the field, putting the Knicks well on pace to avoid the tragic number.

On Guard!

The Knicks' frontcourt played a major role in their early recovery: Grimes and Miles McBride have played strong defense that has shut down the Lakers' outside game (Schröder's miracle capped off a 3-of-17 half for LA) while Immanuel Quickley continues to handle a bulk of the Knicks' depth scoring.

Brunson, however, has been the Knicks' salvation in the early going. When the Knicks struggled from the field in the early going (missing 14 of their first 16 attempts), Brunson righted the ship and kept the team afloat by hitting seven of his first 13 while his scoring compatriots RJ Barrett and Julius Randle (a combined 3-for-17) struggled. With James in the house and TNT's cameras on site, Brunson is making a sterling All-Star case. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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