Sparked by a new point-guard and a newfound swagger the New York Knicks (11-15) will look to extend a three-game winning streak hosting the Los Angeles Lakers (15-11) tonight at Madison Square Garden.

The new point-guard in town is Jeremy Lin, who has averaged 25.3 points and 8.3 assist in the recent surge of positive play for New York. Lin brings a combination of heart and fire to the Orange and Blue, inspiring ‘Linsanity’ shirts and apps for fans of the Knicks to enjoy.

According to ESPN.com Lin is the first player since LeBron James and Greg Anthony in the 1991-92 to post 20-plus points and 8-plus assists in each of his first two career stars.

The task to keep the winning streak alive will be a tough one, as the Los Angeles Lakers still have some deadly shooters in Kobe Bryant and Paul Gasol. Bryant is the league leader with 29.2 points-per-game, averaging 40.0 points in the last four visits to the Garden.

Gasol had a monster game in the Lakers 88-87 victory in Boston, the forward-center finished with 25 points, 14 boards and two blocks-one such stuff helped to lead Los Angeles to the victory against the Celtics.

Written on February 10, 2012