LeBron James’ standout performances at Madison Square Garden
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are set to visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks this Sunday.
James has participated in 33 games at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” achieving a record of 24 wins and 9 losses while averaging 28.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game.
He has faced the Knicks just once in the playoffs — during the first round of the 2012 postseason — where the Miami Heat triumphed 4-1. In that series, he averaged 27.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, scoring fewer than 20 points only once.
Over the years, James has delivered numerous memorable performances at Madison Square Garden. Below is a summary of some of the most significant.
2025: 33 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds, 54% shooting
Game result: 128-112, Lakers win
In 2025, James showcased an impressive performance against the Knicks, achieving a remarkable 30-point triple-double. He became the first visiting player to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles at Madison Square Garden, including playoff games. This marked his 12th career 30-point game as a visitor at MSG, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second place all-time.
The then-40-year-old star delivered several highlight plays that evening, including a powerful two-handed dunk in the fourth quarter that left comedian Chris Rock astonished from his courtside seat.
While James’ performance garnered attention, it was eclipsed by the news of a surprising trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers shortly after the game.
2023: 28 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 44% shooting
Game result: 129-123, Lakers win
Regardless of being in his 20th year, James consistently seizes the chance to impress the New York audience.
This marked his first game at Madison Square Garden since January 2020, and he made it a memorable return. He recorded his first triple-double of the season as the Lakers secured a narrow overtime victory.
Leading up to the game, there was excitement as James was on the verge of breaking the all-time scoring record. However, following the game, he emphasized his overall contributions instead.
“I just play the game the right way. I approach the game every night only trying to be a triple threat by scoring, rebounding, assisting, defending, and may the chips fall where they may,” he stated.
2017: 23 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 50% shooting
Game result: 104-101, Cavs win
Although the statistics are not among James’ finest at the Garden, the on-court drama became the highlight. James and Enes Freedom had a confrontation in the first quarter.
After James dunked, he obstructed then-Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina as he attempted to inbound the ball. Freedom took exception to this, defending Ntilikina as James pushed him, resulting in a double technical foul.
Freedom remarked postgame: “I don’t care … what you call yourself. King, Queen, Princess, whatever you are. You know what, we’re going to fight and nobody out there [is] going to punk us.”
James led a comeback in the fourth quarter to secure the victory and later responded on Instagram.
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2010: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 60.9% shooting
Game result: 113-91, Heat win
In his debut game in New York as a member of the Heat, James achieved a highly effective triple-double. Despite being booed by fans for not signing with the Knicks during the offseason, he remained undeterred in his performance on the court.
The 60.9% shooting from the field represents his third-best field goal percentage ever at Madison Square Garden (with 70% once and 70.6% twice).
2009: 52 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 51.5% shooting
Game result: 107-102, Cavaliers win
In what is arguably the most memorable game James has played at Madison Square Garden, he delivered an outstanding performance. James contributed nearly half of the Cavaliers’ total points, with his 52 points marking his season-high at that time.
This performance came just two nights after Kobe Bryant set a then-MSG record with 61 points. James became one of only two players — alongside Michael Jordan — to record multiple 50-point games as a visitor at the current Madison Square Garden.
2008: 50 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 53% shooting
Game result: 119-105, Cleveland Cavaliers win
After scoring 45 points at home against the Knicks in November, James surpassed that performance at the Garden in March.
He became the first player to achieve at least 50 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds in a game since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on January 19, 1975, according to the Associated Press. James exited the game to chants of “MVP!” and described the standing ovation as “a dream come true.”
ESPN Research contributed to this story.
