Warriors’ Big Three’s scoring barrage too much for Lakers
The Golden State Warriors improved to 4-1 after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ahead of the game, Warriors’ Head Coach Steve Kerr and Lakers’ Head Coach (and former Golden State assistant) Luke Walton threw some light-hearted jabs at each other. Kerr got the last laugh though as Golden State defeated Los Angeles 112-107. The Warriors improved to 4-1 in the preseason.
The Warriors were a little short-handed in this one, but it didn’t matter. It was announced ahead of time that Andre Iguodala and David West would get a scheduled day off which makes sense considering Golden State just played yesterday. Draymond Green also say this one out and Kevon Looney started in his place.
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It was all Warriors from the tip off. The ball moved on their first possession until it ended up in Klay Thompson’s hand. He pump faked, drove, and found Steph Curry who was cutting baseline for the wide open layup. Then on their next play, Thompson found Kevin Durant for a wide open three.
That’s how free flowing the offense was in the first half. They were leading 27 at halftime. Everyone clicked tonight and the Warriors’ offense was what everyone’s expected to see. They had 10 assists on 24 field goals.
Curry and Thompson didn’t come back out for the second half and Durant played just a few minutes. Shaun Livingston, who didn’t play against Denver, got some minutes in the third quarter. For the most part though, it was the Warriors’ reserves that carried the load.
Los Angeles made a late run at the end of the third quarter as Nick Young hit a few threes. With time winding down, Young found Brandon Ingram in the corner who hit a three at the buzzer. The Lakers won the quarter 33-22.
Things Kevin Durant is picking up on this preseason: The Steph shoot and turn 3 (Vine via @World_Wide_Wob https://t.co/B0Mosz3iE5
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 16, 2016
It fell apart for Golden State in the fourth quarter. Their huge lead disappeared as Kerr turned to the end of the bench guys to go up against the Laker regulars. They were careless on both ends in the last period and were outscored 28-16.
The Warriors have one spot left on the roster and several guys fighting for it. One of the frontrunners for a place on the roster, JaVale McGee had an up-and-down night. He made some mistakes, like late defensive rotations and throwing the ball away, but he also had a big block and a poster dunk. McGee totaled 12 points, 4 rebonds, and 2 blocks in 13 minutes.
Golden State star Patrick McCaw got a lot of playing time tonight, leading the team with 33 points. He got time playing alongside the All-Stars and leading the bench. He had a complete game, putting up 13 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. He looks even more comfortable than he did during his standout game against the Nuggets.
Thompson had 24 points, Durant scored 17 points, and Curry added 14 of his own. The Warriors are starting to click. They put up 74 points in the first half before taking their foot off the gas pedal in the second half.
The Warriors and the Lakers will have themselves a rematch on Wednesday in San Diego. The game will be televised on ESPN at 7:00 PM PST.