The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors with a commanding 109-87 victory. The win was fueled by a renewed focus on defense, something the Lakers have been known for in recent years.
After losing Game 1 and barely scraping by with a win in Game 2, the Lakers knew they needed to make some adjustments to avoid falling into a 2-1 hole. One of those adjustments was putting more emphasis on their defense, and it paid off in a big way.
From the opening tip, the Lakers came out with an intensity and energy on the defensive end that was unmatched by the Warriors. They held the Warriors to just 38.6% shooting from the field, including a dismal 25.0% from three-point range. The Lakers also forced 20 turnovers and scored 27 points off those turnovers.
Leading the way for the Lakers was Anthony Davis, who had a dominant performance on both ends of the court. He finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, while also blocking 2 shots and recording a steal. His defensive presence was felt all game long, as he contested shots at the rim and in the mid-range area.
LeBron James also had a solid game, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. He was aggressive in attacking the basket and getting his teammates involved, which helped open up the Lakers’ offense.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Lakers’ performance was their depth. In addition to Davis and James, the Lakers got contributions from across their roster. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 13 points, including 3 three-pointers, while Andre Drummond had 12 points and 9 rebounds. Even players like Alex Caruso and Wesley Matthews made an impact on the defensive end.
The Lakers’ defensive performance was a stark contrast to their play in Game 1, where they allowed the Warriors to score 128 points. But the team made the necessary adjustments, and it showed in their dominant Game 3 win.
Moving forward, the Lakers will look to carry this momentum into Game 4 and beyond. They know that if they can continue to play at this level on the defensive end, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
