Mike Woodson: 'We couldn't control Los Angeles Lakers'

Mike Woodson has admitted that the New York Knicks could not "control" the Los Angeles Lakers during their defeat to the Pacific Division side.

The Lakers set a franchise record by scoring 51 points in the third quarter during their 127-96 win over the Knicks last night.

The coach told reporters: "I thought we came out ready to play. I mean, we held them to 14 points in the first quarter, and then that second and third quarter, all hell broke loose. We just didn't have any answer for them from a defensive standpoint.

"I thought the plan was perfect starting the game, and when they went to their bench, they came out blazing and we just couldn't control them."

The result leaves the Knicks two wins behind the Atlanta Hawks in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.