The Los Angeles Lakers took down the New York Knicks on Sunday.
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a gritty team win over the New York Knicks on Sunday by a score of 110-97 and the fact that the Lakers can battle the way that they did against such a tough New York team bodes well for what they can be capable of after the regular season comes to a close.
Throughout the season the Lakers haven't been known to be a particularly strong team when it comes to physicality of defense.
They've been a much more guard-centric team than a big man focused one and the way that they take over games has been with fast-paced, overwhelming offense rather than particularly strong defense.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward Rui Hachimura (28) against the New York Knicks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesFacing Physicality
That fact is what makes a matchup against a team like the Knicks, who have strong guards of their own, abut also pride themselves on dominating a game physically, so daunting. Still, the Lakers were able to rise to the occasion and matchup against the Knicks and even surpass them to take home the win.
The Lakers and Knicks standout as some of the most storied franchises in the NBA and and as the dominant team in the nation's two largest cities, there's a natural rivalry that comes with their matchups.
That added intensity along with the inherent physicality of the game is what made Rui Hachimura feel like the atmosphere of the game was like something they'd see after the regular season was over.
Playoff Atmosphere
"It was almost like a playoff game, how physical we played," Hachimura said (via The Sporting Tribune). "We were locked in the whole game. As a team, I think that was a great team win."
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesPlaying in an atmosphere like that, especially at home for the Lakers in Crypto.com Arena, is a great preview for what the playoffs can feel like. The Lakers have long looked like a lock for the playoffs this season, but as for being legitimate contenders, that has been more in doubt.
Their issues with defense in big games and playing up to more talented teams have been the biggest factors when it comes to undermining the Lakers' championship chances, but if they're able to rise to the occasion the way that they did against the Knicks, they could be a dark horse for the NBA crown.
Still, there are more games left in the regular season for the Lakers to continue to prove that what they achieved against the Knicks wasn't a one-off victory.