At the 2023 NBA Playoffs -Western Conference, Game 1 held on Tue, the Lakers deserved the win they got on Tuesday against the Warriors. Lakers Dennis Schröder is ever enthusiastic to cover Stephen Curry wherever he goes. Anthony Davis is all over the center and makes life difficult for the Warriors on the inside. With one hand tied behind his back, D’Angelo Russell can sling a shot.
Davis Reigns for Lakers
Out of his first 10 shots Davis got 9 on point, giving the Lakers domination from the beginning. Meanwhile Russell gave out 6 assists and scored 19 points against for his team.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said “I thought AD had a great game. Obviously he dominated and he got blocked four shots and altered some others,”.
Davis blocked 26 shots in the first round, showing his prowess. Kerr further added, “That’s what this team has been doing now for the last few months. They have been one of the best defensive teams in the league for a reason and he’s a huge part of that.”
Warriors Fight Back Lakers To Come Close
By the fourth quarter Lakers lead by 14 points, but an elite performance, 14-0, by the Warriors, tied them with the Lakers with 1 min 38 sec left. But then Russel, Davis and James upped their game with hits and misses to win an entertaining Game 1 semifinals 117-112.
In a post game interview, an accurate review of the final moments recalled by LeBron James was no less epic. Many commented on it :
“Listen to LeBron recall no less than 5 specific misses in closing time…..without the benefit of film review. This man’s memory skills are approaching disturbing levels,”.
Anthony Davis Joins the Elite Ones
Anthony Davis joined the elite club Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor, after his 30-point, 20-rebound game.
The Next Fightoff Scheduled between Same Rivals
The Warriors need to rethink their strategy to tackle the Lakers’ physicality, force and size rather than depend more on three point shooting.
The Warriors have their job cut out for Thursday’s 2nd round game with the Lakers.
