Derrick Rose Returned in Knicks Win against Lakers

The New York Knicks (14-10) defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (10-16) 118-112 at Staples Center on Sunday night. This was the Knicks second game of their five-game west coast road trip and their second win.

The Knicks struggled playing on the road to begin the season, but now have won four straight road games. They look to make it five straight on Tuesday night against a struggling Phoenix Suns team before they play a tough road game against the Warriors at Oracle Arena on Thursday night.

Kyle O’Quinn, who has been playing great, was out on Sunday for the Knicks because of a sprained ankle. This was the first game back for Derrick Rose who missed the previous two games because of back spasms and looked great. He ended with 25 points on a very efficient shooting night going 12-16 from the field.

Kristaps Porzingis had a great overall game and looked like he had his offensive rhythm back. KP finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and seven blocks. Brandon Jennings also had a great game off the bench with 19 points.

Carmelo Anthony struggled with his shot and finished with only 13 points only shooting 4-16 from the field. But he also contributed to eight rebound, three steals, and more importantly a season high of seven assists. In years past, Melo only getting 13 points most likely ended in a Knicks loss.

But with Rose and KP being vastly improved from his great rookie season, it takes a lot of pressure off Melo to have a great shooting night every game. He can focus on other aspects of the game if his shot isn’t falling, like playing defense and setting up your teammates for easy baskets, which he did on Sunday night.

The Knicks are clicking and are beating the teams they are supposed to beat. If they keep this up, they will definitely be a playoff team.