:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60330185/usa_today_10782325.0.jpg)
The Los Angeles Lakers stayed hot as the Las Vegas heat on Tuesday, defeating the New York Knicks 107-92.
Josh Hart, who came into Tuesday’s game against the Knicks as the third leading scorer in Summer League with 20.5 points per game, powered the Lakers to a 24-23 first quarter with 11 points on 4-5 shooting and a SportsCenter-worthy drive and dunk.
Josh Hart went into attack mode. pic.twitter.com/FppzENOkg5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2018
Despite a dazzling 11-point second quarter performance from Kevin Knox, the Knicks’ 18-year-old, 6-foot-9 rookie forward who went 0-6 in the first quarter, and the Lakers went into halftime with a 53-42 lead.
Hart continued to excel, adding 7 more points in the second to bring his first half total to 18. Mitchell Robinson, the 7-foot-1 rookie Center who the Lakers were reported to have interest in during the draft process, validated Los Angeles’ potential intrigue with an absurd closeout block.
This is a helluva close out and block by Mitchell Robinson. He was still in the paint when the Lakers' Demarcus Holland caught it in the corner. Robinson blocked it and kept the ball inbounds and caught it to start the transition possession. pic.twitter.com/A7UIECrlc7
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) July 11, 2018
New York, battling back against a Los Angeles lead that grew as high as 25 points, went on a 17-0 run and tied the game at 78-78 before the start of the fourth. Kevin Knox catalyzed the comeback with a ridiculous 16-point third quarter to which the Lakers struggled to find any answer whatsoever.
The Lakers, ultimately saved by a stellar 27-point performance from Josh Hart, held off New York’s comeback and improved to 3-0 in Tuesday’s 107 to 92 victory. Alex Caruso helped secure the win with steady fourth quarter play, ending the game with ten assists and just a single turnover.
Rookie center Moe Wagner, who sustained an injury in the first quarter and briefly returned in the second, was diagnosed with a left knee strain and left ankle sprain. The Lakers, sure to be seeded highly after the 3-0 start, will find out their next matchup after the schedule for tournament play is released Tuesday night.