The Los Angeles Lakers are experiencing strong emotions. On Saturday, after a disappointing first half, they came back against the New York Knicks with a huge comeback in overtime.
The Lakers were down by 21 points in the second quarter, but in the third quarter they crushed the Knicks (31-13) with 18 points from an unstoppable Malik Monk.
Monk's five straight points on the break (61-71 with 11:01 on the clock) were just an appetizer for the storm he was about to unleash. In just over 6 explosive minutes, Monk scored 15 points (on 3-of-3 three-pointers) to destroy the Knicks (78-79 with 5:34 to play).
The Lakers' turnaround was not due to LeBron James or Russell Westbrook, but to Monk, a secondary player who took the leadership role when his team needed it most.
LeBron James praises the Malik Monk's performance
Thanks to Monk, the Lakers showed more energy on defense and Anthony Davis was the overall captain in rebounds. The Knicks did not know how to avoid the blows and, when they woke up, they were already behind (87-84) after an overwhelming third quarter (31-13 for the Lakers).
"Monk provides a knockout punch that, to be completely honest with you, we haven't had since I've been on the team." said LeBron James afterward. "He's a monster."
However, the Lakers blew a 9-point lead from the free throws with 2:22 remaining, Barrett tied the game with a three-pointer with 8 seconds left and LeBron missed the shot that would have been the game-winner.
Then, in overtime, The King led the way with a counter-attack dunk and Trevor Ariza delivered the final blow with a three-pointer.
All thanks to the inspired reaction by Monk, who has found his place on the Lakers.
LeBron James on Malik Monk's explosive night with the Lakers: "He's a monster" - Marca English
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