The Lakers stayed perfect on their journey away from home by picking up a League finals re-match versus an classic rival. The Lakers might not have similar playoffs history with the Knicks, however it's obvious the clubs' inter-conference rivalry is building importance once again. Los Angeles are trying to defeat the Knicks for the 8th consecutive occasion Friday evening when the clubs play at MSG during a re-match of a contest the previous month that got heated.
The Lakers ( 37 - 16 ) increased to 3 - 0 on their 7 game trek having a 92 - 86 victory against the Celtics on Thursday. Kobe put in twenty-three points, which includes 20 during the 2nd half, while Pau Gasol put in twenty points & ten boards to assist Los Angeles save a season - series split with the club it beat in previous summer's finals.
The Lakers, who've kept 3 of their previous 4 competitors to less than 90 points, do not contemplate to be any danger of a disappointment versus the Knicks following clubs' hard fought matchup the previous month.
The Lakers have picked up 7 consecutive against New York, which includes a 109 - 87 home court win January 9th. Ron Artest had been charged having a flagrant foul late during the 3rd period when he brought down Amare Stoudemire. Andrew Bynum had been later thown out by the officials, & Stoudemire & Bryant exchanged some heated words. Bryant played off the confrontations.
While there seems to be a few issues bringing some intensity Friday evening, Kobe has required almost no additional inspiration when visiting Madison Square Garden. He's put in 30.3 points there during his career, his highest average at any stadium where he has played a minimum of ten occasions, which includes a 61 point effort February 2nd, 2009. He put in 27 in last month's win against the Knicks on their home court.
While Los Angeles expectations are heating up after a 3 - 5 span, New York ( 26 - 25 ) have had difficulties since their defeat at Staples Center. They have lost 10 of 14, which includes 3 of their previous 4. They had been losing by as much as twenty points Wednesday on their way to a 116 - 108 defeat to the Clippers.
New York permitted the Clippers to throw up 54.7 %, the 2nd highest stat by a visiting club at Madison Square Garden this year. the Knicks are allowing an average of 108.2 points & permitting competitors to throw up 51.2 % during the previous 6 matchups.
Stoudemire had twenty-three points, ten boards & 6 rejections versus the Lakers the previous month, however put in only 7 of 23 from the floor.