- The Result: The New York Knicks defended home court with a 112-100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The Viral Moment: Cameras caught Luka Dončić giving a playful middle finger to Jalen Brunson during the post-game handshake.
- The Context: The former Dallas teammates continue their legendary “troll” friendship despite playing for cross-country rivals.
NEW YORK — Madison Square Garden is no stranger to drama, but the most talked-about moment from Monday night didn’t happen during the four quarters of play. After the New York Knicks secured a gritty 112-100 win over the Lakers, the spotlight shifted to center court. Luka Dončić, sporting a Lakers jersey and a wry smile, greeted Jalen Brunson not with a standard jersey swap, but with a hilarious, playful “flip-off” that immediately ignited social media.
The Handshake Seen ‘Round the World
The “NBAMemes” clip, which surpassed a million views within minutes, shows Dončić approaching Brunson near the logo. As Brunson began to speak, Dončić flashed a quick middle finger while laughing, a clear callback to their days as a dynamic duo in Dallas. Brunson didn’t miss a beat, pushing Dončić’s hand away before the two shared a genuine embrace.
On the court, the game was far less friendly. The Knicks’ defense swarmed the Lakers, holding Los Angeles to just 42% shooting. Brunson led the charge with 28 points and 9 assists, while Dončić finished with a triple-double—33 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists—in a losing effort. Despite the intensity of the matchup, the post-game antics proved that some NBA bonds transcend team colors.
Game Highlights: Lakers at Knicks
- Final Score: Knicks 112, Lakers 100
- Top Scorer: Luka Dončić (33 PTS)
- Impact Player: Jalen Brunson (+14 Net Rating)
- Lakers Record: 29-20
What They Said
“That’s just Luka. He’s a sore loser, and he’s my brother. He was probably just mad I took his lunch money tonight.” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks Guard
“I told him he got lucky. The refs were on his side. But seriously, it’s always good to see him. Even if he’s annoying.” — Luka Dončić, Lakers Guard
Playoff Implications: The Road to the Trade Deadline
While the video is lighthearted, the reality for the Lakers is getting heavy. This loss drops them further into the play-in mix in a crowded Western Conference. Reports from NBA insiders suggest the Lakers organization may be looking to shake up the roster before the February 12 deadline, especially as rumors regarding LeBron James’ future in Los Angeles continue to swirl.
For the Knicks, the win solidifies their position as a top-four seed in the East. Brunson’s ability to out-duel elite talent like Dončić has New York fans dreaming of a deep playoff run. The Lakers head to Brooklyn next, while the Knicks prepare for a high-stakes showdown with the Celtics.
