Lakers fall to the Warriors in Game 2; series tied at 1-1

by Antonio Valle

The Lakers' intention to get greedy in Game 2 fell short as the Warriors were hot all night from long range and earned the win 127-100 to even the series at 1-1.

Golden State shot lights out from three-point range as they finished the game shooting 50%. Klay Thompson led the Warriors, who finished with a game-high 30 points on 8-11 shooting from long range. 

The Lakers were led by LeBron James, who finished with 23 points. Rui Hachimura continued his strong play off the bench this postseason, scoring 21 points.

Anthony Davis was a non-factor all game and only scored 11 points. This has been a pattern this postseason for Davis as he struggled in Game 2 in the first round against Memphis.

This was a must-win for the Warriors as they did not want to head to Los Angeles trailing in the series 2-0. The Warriors have struggled on the road all season long, and so far this postseason, the Lakers are 3-0 at Crypto.com Arena.

Darvin Ham said postgame that the Warriors did a good job of crowding the paint and also did well in preventing the Lakers from getting to the free-throw line.

Prior to the game, the Warriors made a big change to their starting lineup as they went ahead and gave JaMychal Green the starting nod, and Kevon Looney moved to the bench.

Chris Haynes reported that Looney was not feeling well today, and Steve Kerr went ahead and pivoted to Green. Green was efficient in his starting role, as he finished with 15 points.

The series now shifts to Los Angeles, and every game is going to be tough. Anthony Davis cannot finish a game with just 11 points if the Lakers want to win this series. Davis has been exceptional from the defensive end all postseason, but his offensive play has been up and down.

Ham emphasized postgame that the Lakers need to do a better job at getting AD the ball in situations where he has a size advantage as he believes that is where he dominates.

Game 3 is going to be a battle as both teams are eager to move on to the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers must do a better job of switching on screens, as Golden State loves to make defenders chase them all over the court to set up a wide-open three.

Against Memphis, the Lakers fell flat in Game 2 and made adjustments in Game 3, and came out with a statement win. The same thing needs to happen in this series. Golden State is the defending NBA Champions for a reason, and this series was never going to be easy. 

Anthony Davis said postgame, “We’ll be better. I’ll be better.” 

The Lakers take on the Warriors this Saturday at Crypto.com Arena at 5:30 pm, and it will be a huge game as the Lakers look to respond after their lackluster effort in Game 2.

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