The Los Angeles Lakers sent a clear message in Game 3 of their Western Conference play-in game against the Golden State Warriors. After struggling in their first two games against the Warriors and finishing the regular season with a mediocre 7-7 record, the Lakers finally showed up on the defensive end of the court, shutting down the Warriors in a dominant 103-100 victory.
The Lakers’ renewed focus on defense was evident from the start. They started the game with an aggressive defensive approach, harassing the Warriors’ ball handlers and forcing turnovers. The Lakers’ defense was anchored by their big men, Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond, who were both instrumental in shutting down the Warriors’ offense.
Davis was especially impressive on defense, using his length and athleticism to disrupt the Warriors’ rhythm and limit their scoring opportunities. He finished the game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks, but his impact on the defensive end was even more significant. He was able to switch onto guards and contest their shots, making it difficult for the Warriors to generate open looks.
Drummond also played a crucial role in the Lakers’ defensive dominance, pulling down 12 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. His presence in the paint made it challenging for the Warriors to score in the paint and limited their second-chance opportunities.
The Lakers’ backcourt also played a significant role in their defensive success. Guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dennis Schroder were tenacious on defense, staying in front of their opponents and contesting their shots. They combined for 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, but their contributions on the defensive end were just as critical.
LeBron James, who had struggled with an ankle injury, showed signs of his dominant self, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. But it was his defensive intensity that made the biggest impact. He was able to guard multiple positions, switching seamlessly between defending the perimeter and the paint.
The Warriors, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm on offense. They were held to just 100 points, well below their season average of 113.7 points per game. Star guard Stephen Curry was held to just 19 points on 6-for-17 shooting, thanks to the Lakers’ tenacious defense. Draymond Green, who was a key factor in the Warriors’ victories over the Lakers in the regular season, was held to just 3 points and 7 assists.
The Lakers’ impressive defensive performance was a reminder of their potential and a warning to their opponents. If they can continue to play with this level of intensity and focus on the defensive end, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
After the game, Lakers coach Frank Vogel praised his team’s defensive effort, saying, “Our defense was outstanding. It was the key to the game.” He added, “We need to bring that same level of intensity and focus to the next game, and every game after that.”
The Lakers will now face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. If they can continue to play with the same level of defensive intensity they showed in Game 3, they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the league.
