Well, well, well. That was REALLY fun.
The Lakers shocked the Warriors for the second straight time at Staples, 117-97 (remember that they handed the Warriors one of their nine losses last March in that building). In fact, the Lakers got off to an 8-0 start and they honestly never looked back.
It obviously really helped that the Dubs, who were coming off an emotional victory against the Thunder the night before, missed three after after three (reminiscent of their March game). The Lakers didn’t exactly shoot the lights out early, either, but they kept moving the ball well. It befuddled the Warriors and they couldn’t stop the Lakers’ ball movement and paint domination. The Lakers assisted on eight of their first 10 field goals (finished with 26 assists overall) and after a sloppy first quarter, their offense was prettier than Nina Agdal. L.A. went up by double digits and their 65-point first half was highlighted by a monstrous slam by Larry Nance the Younger.
The Warriors couldn’t take care of the ball as they had 20 turnovers. They missed open threes all night as they went 5 for 32 (.156). It was so bad that Stephen Curry’s streak of 157 consecutive games with a made three-pointer was snapped in this contest. On the other side, the Lakers had big plays all around as they built a double digit lead that eventually ballooned to 21 in the third (their biggest lead was 22). Luol Deng had some nice drive-and-dishes early. Nick Young (12 points) continued to be energized on both sides of the floor. D’Angelo Russell (17 points) ran the offense well and hit a few big bailout shots. Larry Nance, Jr. (12 points, 9 rebounds) brought the fire. Julius Randle had a huge game (20 points, 14 rebounds). Brandon Ingram struggled but he did hit a big bucket at the end of the third quarter. And Timofey Mozgov, who came back for this game, even got in a few nice plays there (that assist to D’Angelo was fantastic).
But I’d like to give props to Lou Williams (20 points), who once again was that veteran presence (yeah, I know) that staved off a potential Warriors comeback. The Warriors never got closer than six points before Lou made four straight points for the Lakers. Williams would make the first eight Laker points in the fourth to put the game out of reach. He even made a few defensive stops, too!
Sure, we can say that the Dubs were tired (back-to-back games, after all) but give the Lakers credit for jumping on them. They stuck to the game plan even when the Warriors tried to fly around on defense late in the third. While the Lakers did leave them open for three a bit (and Golden State missed those shots), they played inspired defense that we mostly didn’t see the last two seasons from them. They were young and fast enough to rotate and make up for botches and their size advantage made it difficult for the Warriors to rebound (51-40 edge by L.A.) or go for inside buckets.
The Lakers are now 3-3 overall and 2-0 at home! A huge victory for the Lakers, really, as it boosts their confidence immensely. They’re winning a bit and they’re having a lot of fun doing it. What more can you ask for?
fern16 says
Great great win!!! The Lakers are showing they are not going to roll over for anyone. I really doubt we will make the playoffs because it would need an improvement of around 30 wins over last year which is an extremely tall order. If that happens Luke needs his COY throphy but thats asking too much but i see light at the end of the tunnel. If the team keeps improving i dare to say playoffs next season. On a side note I never understood people wanting to get rid of Lou. He do what he is paid to do since day 1 don’t complain, don’t bring unnecessary attention to himself and his salary is a bargain. Despite what people here say he is not a great defender mainly because of his size but he is savvy. And can deliver in the 4th Every young team needs a veteran presence like him. He is a glue guy. He is a very important part of this team. The Lakers need him. Now i dare to say this is an up and coming team. GO LAKERS!!!!!
Vasheed says
fern16
I really like the Lakers 2nd unit. Ingram’s playmaking allows Lou to be Lou. Black and Nance make for a highly mobile front court. Clarkson continues to improve.
_DPeterson_ says
I’m in Los Angeles for a quick weekend visit and got to watch the game with family. No one in my family follows the Lakers as closely as I do, and it was fun introducing them to the new squad. It’s going to be really fun watching these guys grow and develop. Golden State played terribly, but good on the boys for going out there and taking what was given to them…That Nance dunk! Julius!…And I absolutely love the look of Luke in a suit in the sidelines for our team. He inspires so much confidence. This is a Lakers team this town can really get behind. Go Lakers!
BigCitySid10552 says
Giddy over last night’s win and the way team, in general, is playing. Six players scoring between 12 & 20, (13 & 23 in previous win) shows ball is moving and everyone contributing. Randle has been the best, Russ looking good. But really want to give Lou Williams some love. 23 mpg off bench avg 15.5 ppg on .571 efg% & 3.8 apg.
If he keeps that up he’ll be in the running for 6th man of the year.
bluehill says
I was hoping this team would be playing .500 ball at the end of the season, but they are moving up the learning curve a lot more quickly than I was expecting. Or may be the potential was already there and it just took a new coach implementing a more team-oriented system. The ball movement and off ball movement was so much fun to watch.
I’ve watched some of the Wolves highlights and from the limited footage I’ve seen, I don’t think that the team is getting or liking the Thibs approach. They have as much or more talent than us, but are still trying to fit the pieces together.
So, kudos to Luke and his staff. Can’t believe how much of a difference a year makes.
MT87 says
I am really impressed by Lou Williams and the adjustments that Walton has made to ensure Lou is effective. During preseason I repeatedly bemoaned the inclusion of Lou with the starters because of his size and I speculated that his ball-stopping whistle-seeking style wouldn’t fit with the offense. Credit to both Lou and Luke for figuring out how to make it work. Specifically moving Lou back to the bench while giving Huertas and Calderon DNP’s allows Lou to spend time on the floor with Clarkson which makes for a stronger defensive combination that also maximizes scoring potential.
lil pau says
Unbelievably fun game. Especially great to see Ingram chasing Durant around the floor. Really liked Lou’s play overall and credit Luke for the courage to let DAR watch from the sidelines on this one.
One question: is there even a single offensive set in which Clarkson brings the ball up the floor or initiates the offense? Quite literally, Ingram and Randle function as PGs (or point-forwards) more than JC does. He really looks like Ray Allen or Reggie Miller the way he’s used on offense…. any thoughts on this, pro or con?
Most importantly: I just saw the call for support for FB&G.; You may wish to bump that thread occasionally or reference it in the comments– I easily could have missed it. I’m down for a little pocket change to support this incredible site and all the hard work and excellent writing therein.
Keith aka Lil Pau
ED 10 says
I don`t think I`ve ever seen the Splash Bros. shoot so badly from 3.Some were not even close. Only Durant played extended min Thurs. so no excuse.If the team can stay away from serious injury problems,no reason they shouldn`t be in the playoffs.