In a game that showcased Stephen Curry’s sizzling long-range shooting, the Golden State Warriors capitalized on the absence of LeBron James to secure a convincing 128-110 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night in San Francisco.
LeBron James, sidelined with a sore left ankle, proved to be a significant absence for the Lakers, disrupting their momentum after winning their last three games before the All-Star break with an average of 134 points per game.
Curry, continuing his exceptional form, delivered an impressive performance with six 3-pointers and a total of 32 points on 12-for-24 shooting. The Warriors, now victorious in seven of their last eight games, were also buoyed by the contributions of rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, who provided a spark off the bench with 17 points.
Andrew Wiggins showcased his scoring prowess with 20 points, supporting Curry’s offensive onslaught. Curry’s six 3-pointers marked his consistent long-range proficiency, hitting six or more in nine of his last 13 games. This exceptional shooting display included a memorable performance against Sabrina Ionescu during the All-Star Weekend exhibition.
The first half saw Curry’s dominance, contributing 25 of his 32 points. The Warriors utilized a 17-5 run to turn a one-point deficit into a commanding 67-56 halftime lead. Brandin Podziemski’s 3-pointers and Curry’s seven points were instrumental in this surge.
The Lakers failed to close the gap in the second half, with Curry’s brilliance and the Warriors’ cohesive play keeping them at bay. Curry not only led in scoring but also tallied a team-high eight assists and three steals. Podziemski added nine rebounds to his 10 points, while Draymond Green contributed eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Rookie Jackson-Davis showcased his efficiency with 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting in just 15 minutes. Jonathan Kuminga chipped in with 12 points for the Warriors.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis led the charge with 27 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ dominance. D’Angelo Russell contributed nine assists and 18 points, while Austin Reaves and Taurean Prince added 16 and 12 points, respectively.
The absence of LeBron James proved to be a significant factor, as the Warriors showcased their prowess and depth, securing a notable victory to strengthen their position in the league standings.
