The Lakers rebounded from a steep Game 2 loss to claim a 127-97 landslide victory over the Warriors in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series, taking a 2-1 lead Saturday at home. Here’s what you need to know:
- Los Angeles center Anthony Davis led all scorers with 25 points; he added 13 rebounds, four blocks and three steals. LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell each had 21 points.
- Stephen Curry beat Golden State with 23 points on 9 of 21 shooting (4 of 10 from 3 points). The Warriors as a whole shot 39.6% 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 Monday at 10 p.m. ET.
AthleticismInstant analysis of:
Los Angeles snuffs out Golden State attack
The Lakers fell to an 11-point hole early in the second quarter as Russell cooled and James spent the first quarter relying on his teammates. In the first 15 minutes, the Warriors were still on pace to hit another 20 3s, just like they had in the first two games of the series at Golden State. But that game changed once the Lakers started forcing turnovers and drawing fouls.
By halftime, the Lakers had outscored the Warriors 17-4 on turnovers and 15-4 from the free throw line. James and Davis’ ability to draw fouls and prevent the Warriors offense from doing anything short of Curry’s shot ensured the 22-point turnover from the second quarter would sustain and define Game 3. Murray
The third quarter made the difference again
In Game 2, the Warriors embarrassed the Lakers, leading by 30 late in the third quarter. The Lakers returned the favor in Game 3, leading by as much as 34 points. It’s a 45-point turnover, with awful weather littered with dunks and layups. But that series was tied at 1-1 and the Lakers needed to hold the home court advantage. The stakes weren’t as high Saturday in Game 3 as they will be Monday night in Game 4.
If the Lakers were shaken by the way Game 2 went and drew their home crowd on Saturday night, then they can expect the Warriors to react to the humiliation accordingly – especially with the Lakers looking for a 3-1 lead. — Murray
What went wrong for the Warriors?
Let’s start with the disaster of the second quarter. They were leading 40-29. That’s when Klay Thompson wasn’t even watching Curry throw a forward pass in transition. Curry howled in frustration. It was one of nine turnovers in the second quarter and a sign of an impending collapse.
Moses Moody was whistled in flagrante delicto for tripping Davis. Draymond Green and JaMychal Green have worked their way into the techniques. Draymond was tied to the bench at fault. The Warriors scored just 18 points in the second quarter and had a 30-8 run to close the half, going 11-11. roofer
What questions should be answered before a massive match 4?
Does Golden State stay with JaMychal Green in the starting lineup? It worked well in Game 2, but the Lakers counter-adjusted their matchups, pulled Davis out of Draymond Green, leaving him to smear the paint again. JaMychal missed his three 3s and the Warriors were outscored by 11 points in 10 minutes. They could change even smaller and go to Jordan Poole, but he’s not playing particularly well. Their traditional starters (adding Kevon Looney) have always been coach Steve Kerr’s safety cover, but the spacing is tight and Looney’s recent illness appears to have undermined some of his impact.
The Warriors especially need better performances from their big names. Draymond Green committed five fouls and was limited to 23 minutes. Thompson missed nine of 14 shots and committed six turnovers. Curry was pretty calm. — roofer
Climax of the game
Key stat
In Game 2, the Warriors scored 84 points combined in the second and third quarters (43 and 41 points). In game 3 they marked only 38 (18 and 20 points).
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(Photo: Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today)
