LeBron James’ standout performances at Madison Square Garden
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James returns to Madison Square Garden on Sunday to face the New York Knicks, adding another chapter to a long history of headline-grabbing nights in the arena. Across 33 career games in the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” James owns a 24-9 record while averaging 28.2 points, 7.4 assists and 6.9 rebounds.
2025: 30-point triple-double powers Lakers
Stat line: 33 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds, 54% shooting
Result: Lakers 128, Knicks 112
At age 40, James became the first visiting player with multiple 30-point triple-doubles at the Garden. The effort also marked his 12th 30-point game in the building, breaking a tie with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second all-time among visitors. A ferocious fourth-quarter dunk drew gasps—comedian Chris Rock was among those stunned courtside—but the postgame buzz shifted when news broke of a blockbuster trade sending Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.
2023: First Garden appearance in three years
Stat line: 28 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 44% shooting
Result: Lakers 129, Knicks 123 (OT)
Weeks before surpassing the NBA’s all-time scoring record, the 20-year veteran recorded his first triple-double of the season and guided Los Angeles past New York in overtime. James downplayed the looming scoring milestone, saying he simply tries to “be a triple threat by scoring, rebounding, assisting, [and] defending.”
2017: Tense showdown with Knicks
Stat line: 23 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 50% shooting
Result: Cavaliers 104, Knicks 101
An early-game confrontation with Knicks center Enes Freedom defined the night. After James stood in the path of rookie guard Frank Ntilikina during an inbound play, Freedom stepped in, leading to a brief shove and matching technical fouls. James later led a fourth-quarter surge to steal the win and responded on social media afterward.
2010: First Garden game with Miami
Stat line: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 60.9% shooting
Result: Heat 113, Knicks 91
James’ efficient triple-double came amid a chorus of boos from fans disappointed he had spurned New York in free agency. The 60.9% shooting remains his third-best field-goal mark at MSG.
2009: Near 50-point, near triple-double
Stat line: 52 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 51.5% shooting
Result: Cavaliers 107, Knicks 102
Two nights after Kobe Bryant set a then-arena record with 61 points, James responded with a 52-point performance that accounted for nearly half of Cleveland’s total. He joined Michael Jordan as the only visiting players with multiple 50-point outings at the current Garden.
2008: First 50-point Garden game
Stat line: 50 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 53% shooting
Result: Cavaliers 119, Knicks 105
James became the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 to post at least 50 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds in a single game. Knicks fans serenaded him with “MVP” chants as he exited the floor.
James has faced New York just once in the postseason, averaging 27.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists in Miami’s 2012 first-round series win. With another visit set for Sunday, the Garden crowd will watch to see whether the 41-year-old star can add a new highlight to an already crowded list.
Source: ESPN
