NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors

The script has switched for the better. The Warriors now sit atop the Pacific Division as the Lakers have become the bottom feeders.  The Warriors’ main priority is winning a ring and the Lakers are hoping to land a top five pick.

Last night, the Lakers lost to a short handed Atlanta Hawks team who sat out three starters and lost Kyle Korver to a broken nose. Tonight, they will be tested with the best team in the Western Conference. This will be the fourth and final match up between the two teams, with the Dubs up 2-1 in the season series.
Check out our instant recap here:

1st Quarter

The Warriors were off and running to start the game against the Lakers. They went on a 5-0 run in the first two minutes of the quarter. The Lakers responded with a 8-0 run of their own and now they had the lead. They traded baskets, but midway through the quarter, the Lakers went on another run and they were up five again. The Lakers had the lead and everybody was stunned. The Warriors didn’t expect it and neither did the fans. Luckily, the Warriors got it going with about five minutes left in the quarter. Klay Thompson got hot and the Warriors were able to end the quarter with some momentum and the game tied.

2nd Quarter

Both teams got off to a slow start in the second quarter, but the Lakers couldn’t find the basket in the first three minutes. The Warriors took advantage and went up 37-30. The pace slowed down a bit, which benefits the Lakers because they can’t keep up with the Dubs. The second unit did a good job of creating some separation. Harrison Barnes went on a 7-0 run by himself, which helped the Warriors raise their lead to nine. The Lakers were pesky, but couldn’t get closer than 5-7 points. The Warriors always had an answer. The Lakers kept clawing away at the lead and they finally made a run to tie the game.

3rd Quarter

The Lakers were down four entering the second quarter and it didn’t take long for them to retake the lead. LA went on a 6-0 in the first two minutes and a half and the Warriors couldn’t hit a basket. A triple from Thompson stopped the bleeding, but the Dubs continued to struggle offensively. The lead was at two, but the Warriors were able to hold on. With about three minutes left in the quarter, the Warriors went on a 10-4 run and that gave them a little room to breathe. Curry had been quiet all game, but exploded for 11 points in the third, which included a four point play. The Lakers finished with the last four points of the quarter and they trailed by four entering the final period.

4th Quarter

The Warriors were on the board first in the fourth quarter, but this game continued to be close and the Lakers did not look like a team that was intimidated. This is a team looking to win, although its fan base is rooting for them to lose. Midway through the quarter the Lakers kept up with the Dubs, although it seemed like the Warriors needed one more run to put them away. The Lakers went on a 6-0 run and this game was once again tied. However, it didn’t take long for Thompson to respond with a three and then the Lakers imploded. They turned the ball over twice and the Warriors were now up seven. The Lakers were not going to go down without a fight and they trailed by three with a shot to send the game into overtime. Kerr opted to foul, which didn’t allow the Lakers to get off a three.