The Lakers bounced back from a heavy Game 2 loss to score an impressive 127-97 win over the Warriors in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series, taking a 2-1 lead on Saturday at home. Here’s what you need to know:
- LA heartthrob Anthony Davis led all scorers with 25 points. He added 13 rebounds, four blocks and three steals. LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell each scored 21 points.
- Stephen Curry trailed Golden State with 23 points on 9-of-21 shooting (4-of-10 from 3-point range). The Warriors as a whole shoot 39.6 percent from the field.
- The Lakers went 28 of 37 from the free throw line while the Warriors made 12 of 17 free throw attempts.
- Game 4 is on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
Los Angeles stifles the Golden State offense
The Lakers fell into an 11-point hole early in the second quarter as Russell cooled off and James spent the first quarter deferring to his teammates. In the first 15 minutes, the Warriors were still on track to get to 20 3 more seconds in, just as they did in the first two games of the series in Golden State. But that game changed once the Lakers started forcing both teams to turn around and draw fouls.
By halftime, the Lakers had outscored the Warriors 17-4 from turnover and 15-4 from the free throw line. James and Davis’ ability to make mistakes and limit the Warriors’ offense from doing anything outside of Curry’s shooting industry ensured that a 22-point conversion from the second quarter would keep and define Game Three. – Murray
The third quarter was a factor again
In Game 2, the Warriors embarrassed the Lakers, leading by 30 by the end of the third quarter. The Lakers returned the favor in Game 3, leading by as many as 34 points. That’s a 45-point turnaround, with trash time scattered by dunks and dumps. But this series was tied 1-1, and the Lakers needed to maintain home court advantage. The stakes weren’t as high on Saturday in Game 3 as they would be on Monday night in Game 4.
If the Lakers are traumatized by how Game 2 plays out and gets their home crowd on Saturday night, they can expect the Warriors to respond accordingly with humiliation — especially with the Lakers seeking a 3-1 lead. – Murray
What went wrong for the warriors?
Let’s start with the debacle of the second quarter. They were 40-29. That’s when Klay Thompson wasn’t even looking as Curry threw a successful pass in the transition. Carrie exclaimed in frustration. It was one of what would be nine turnovers in the second quarter and a sign of an imminent collapse.
Musa Moody was whistled for tripping Davis. Draymond Green and JaMychal Green argued their way to the techniques. Draymond was benched in bad trouble. The Warriors scored just 18 points in the second quarter and had a 30-8 lead to close out the half, going 11-11. – Slater
What questions must be answered before playing Mega 4?
Will Golden State stick with Jamaican Green in the starting lineup? It worked out well in Game 2, but the Lakers adjusted their standoffs, pulling Davis from Draymond Green, allowing him to chip away at the paint again. JaMychal missed all three and edged the Warriors by 11 points in his ten minutes. They could move smaller and go for Jordan Paul, but he’s not playing well. Their traditional starters (adding Kevon Looney) have always been the security blanket for coach Steve Kerr, but the spacing has been shattered and Looney’s recent illness appears to have dampened some of his influence.
The Warriors mostly just need better performances from their big names. Draymond Green fouled five times and was limited to 23 minutes. Thompson missed nine of his 14 shots and made six turnovers. Curry was very quiet. – Slater
Highlight of the game
Key stats
In Game 2, the Warriors scored a combined 84 points in the second and third quarters (43 and 41 points). In Game 3, they are Only 38 scored (18 and 20 points).
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(Photo: Gary A Vasquez/USA Today)
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