New FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Warriors - Game 63

New FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Warriors- Game 63

Franchise Sports Media

Los Angeles Lakers (28-35) | Golden State Warriors (43-21)

 

A 56-point performance by Lebron James helped beat the red-hot Warriors last night, as the Lakers won 124-116.

 

It was the best possible solution for Laker Nation last night, snapping the 4-game slide with an unreal performance by Lebron James. While the season has spiraled out of control for Los Angeles, something had to give last night.

James and Russell Westbrook got the Lakers on the board before Bron led an early 11-0 run. He would have 13 points in the first quarter, while the Lakers were rolling after a tip-off. Steph Curry started slow for Golden State, going 3-7 from the field early.

After Malik Monk gave the Lakers their largest lead of the night by 14 from deep, Jordan Poole began to step up with the hot hand. He would score eight straight for the Warriors with two from behind the arc. The Warriors had it within seven by the end of the quarter, but James motivated the Laker offense early again. “It felt like a pickup game out there,” Steve Kerr stated on the sidelines. He was less than impressed with his team’s defense in the first quarter, and they looked to improve.

Poole and Klay Thompson led a 14-6 run to start the second, immediately putting the Warriors back on top. What was an excellent start for the Lake Show ended up slipping on sloppy defense inside. A lot of credit can be given to the Warrior bench in the first half. Poole lead them to 36 of their 67 points. The Warriors would maintain the lead at the half, despite 26 points from James.

After Curry put his squad up 10 with a three, he began to wake up with 15 points before the break. Austin Reaves displayed heroics from deep, hitting two and completing a 4-point play. The Lakers were down a commanding 12 points with a minute left in the half, but one final 7-0 run kept the game within reason.

Lebron James was shaken up early in the second half on a drive, but the numbers spoke for themselves. He seemed to turn his game up even more, proving his ability to continue to play aggressively. Frank Vogel was also interviewed during the game stating, “everyone needs to pick him up. They need to step up and play.” Without Anthony Davis a majority of the year, they looked for all five on the floor to display energy with the momentum set by James.

The Lakers cut it to just 5 in hopes of picking up a strong performance by James, down 67-62 at the half.

 

The Warriors went on a 7-0 run to start the second half before Westbrook ended the run with a three. James then went on a dominant 12-4 run for his side, scoring 10 with two from three. It got the Lakers to within single digits, but the Warriors kept chipping away on offense to maintain the lead. Westbrook got it back to just five at the end of the quarter, with two late buckets. He shot over 50 percent from the field, reaching 20 points for the first time in over a week.

The Lakers headed into the fourth quarter down 94-89, but their determination appeared to have changed. They were relentless on offense, while Austin Reaves led the hustle on defense. They were at the right level of confidence last night, keeping it up in the fourth quarter.

Jonathon Kuminga hit a three to start the final quarter for the Warriors until things began to get out of hand. James splashed three straight from deep, taking the lead for the first time since the opening quarter. It led to one of the most intense fourth quarters for either side all year.

There were 12 score changes before the Lakers finally grabbed a durable lead with 2 minutes to play. They went on a 13-4 run, with Carmelo Anthony hitting the dagger three to energize Crypto.com Arena. For the 10th time in the NBA this season, there was a 50-point performance. Lebron James hit the final free throws to give him 56. He’s now ranked 2nd behind Kobe Bryant for most points scored by a player over 37. Monk then dribbled the ball out, and the much-needed win for the Lakers was secured.

 

The Lakers head to San Antonio Monday to face the Spurs. The game can be seen at 5:30 p.m on Spectrum.          

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Duncan Dye – Franchise Sports Media

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