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Warriors vs Lakers: 3 factors that played a key role in opening night win

By Aharon Abhishek

Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Fans waiting for the gate to open at NBA opening game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Fans waiting for the gate to open at NBA opening game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports /
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PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Seamless ball handling

The second decisive factor was the ball-handling that helped create one open shot after another. The 30 assists and the 41 field goals are proof of what they did right. They didn’t turn it over easily and that held them in good stead.

It was a gamble they took that their offense and their ball movement could counteract the size disadvantage the Warriors faced with that small-ball roster, and that was put to test against the Lakers side that proved relentless.

Jordan Poole is one name who really stood out in this department. His relentless attack applied plenty of pressure on the defense and once he began pulling from 27-feet, the Lakers had to respect his range.

It was seamless at best and was one of the boxes they checked heading into the second game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The other bright spot was that the Warrior ball handling down the stretch was so much better than when Green and Looney were on the court.

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