The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors got together for the first time this season. They concluded the NBA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day slate on a high and low note. The Warriors put an end to the Lakers’ five-game winning streak. LA’s effort tonight was up and down. Other games have resulted in wins when they’ve done this, but not this time.
It was a welcome sight to see Dennis Schröder find an early groove. He started the first quarter with 14 points on seven shots. He was a big reason that the Lakers jumped out to a 34-22 lead. Schröder led the Lakers with 25 points. LeBron James followed behind with 19 points. Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma posted double-doubles. AD had a 17 point, 17 rebound game with Kuz contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds. Montrezl Harrell came in and did Montrezl things with 17 points and eight boards. This guy might as well get a zip code in the “dunker’s spot”.
Techs were flying tonight as well, mostly by way of the Warriors. We saw Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Draymond Green get caught yapping. Oubre certainly backed up his words with his play finishing with 23 points on the night.
The Warriors won the third quarter 33-28 and made it a game. They did not stop there with their efforts. GS closed the game and won the fourth 34-21. Much of the damage was done by Steph Curry. With a minute and change left, he hit a huge three to put the Warriors up by five.
A free-throw and a missed Warriors shot later, the Lakers milked the clock down to one second. LeBron got a nice look that just didn’t make it down. The loss drops the Lakers to 11-4, still holding strong at the top of the Western Conference. They’ll next be in action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
