Deandre Ayton spoke after the Los Angeles Lakers fell 112-100 to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
“Honestly coming out into the second half they were making shots. And you know that was a big difference. You know it brought them momentum off good possessions and good defensive possessions,” Ayton said on the Knicks’ third-quarter surge.
He added, “Where you know they were getting daggers on. They had us scrambling a little bit after offensive boards. And they were hitting daggers and, you know, you’re bringing damage, Knicks fans involved. You know there’s gonna be, it’s gonna sound like a playoff game.”
On improving in the third quarter, Ayton said, “A little yeah most definitely got to sharpen up the third quarter. I’m not gonna make that habit. Let’s say we confirmed did as well after this game. Having a big game like us definitely pointed that out. You know is one of our things we need to pick up and just come together collectively and be accountable.”
Discussing his role in the offense, he stated, “Me and just play my role hard and just set your screens are rolling to the rim. You know already think about any of that trust my plan because in Bron, AR, and you know Luka and I just feel like you know the pace of game we know they have so much fire powers. It’s a big get hot so I’m not really tripping. You know my main goal is just to anchor the defense in close off defensive possessions.”
Looking ahead to the final game of the road trip, Ayton emphasized, “Oh yeah most definitely important we trying to finish this thing with good record and bring that momentum home. We want to get a good stretch before the break and we want to finish our strong.”
Ayton contributed 13 points and five rebounds, while Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. LeBron James added 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds in his 32nd regular-season game at MSG.
The Knicks, fueled by OG Anunoby’s 25 points and Landry Shamet’s 23 off the bench, outscored Los Angeles 38-26 in the third quarter, turning a tight contest into a double-digit lead. Jalen Brunson added a season-high 13 assists to steer the offense.
New York improved to 31-18, claiming its sixth consecutive victory, while Los Angeles dropped to 29-19, remaining sixth in the Western Conference. The Lakers shot 45 percent overall but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 12 of 42 three-point attempts.
