After the Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals to the Golden State Warriors 127-100 on Thursday, they looked to be in trouble.
They were a step or two slow on their defensive rotations, which allowed Klay Thompson to go off for 30 points and eight 3-pointers, and there was a feeling that perhaps the Warriors were the better team.
But on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers restored order with a 127-97 rout, and it was basically the reverse of Game 2. They took control in the second quarter with a big 30-8 run that included 13 unanswered points, and Golden State seemingly had nothing left afterward.
Fans on Twitter were pleased that the Lakers now have a 2-1 series lead and an opportunity to put the Warriors in a delicate position with another victory in Game 4 on Monday.
WE BELIEVE LAKERS 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ECtpan5i4t
— Lakers Lead 2-1 (@LakersLead) May 7, 2023
Tonight the Warriors were INTIMIDATED by the Lakers' defense and AD's shot-blocking and shot-bothering.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 7, 2023
The @Lakers team defense kept the Warriors off the 3-point line in tonight’s 127-97 Game 3 win! In Game 2 the starters only went to the free throw line twice. Every starter got to the free throw line tonight because the @Lakers attacked the basket and didn’t settle for the…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 7, 2023
What's scary for the Warriors is that Lakers still haven't had a great shooting game yet.
— Deronte Adams (@CallMe_Kratos) May 7, 2023
The moment I KNEW the Lakers were getting an AD masterclass and a Lakers W in Game 3 😈😈😈 pic.twitter.com/95rp25K9GN
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 7, 2023
I been quiet all year long, but I can’t believe the lakers whooped Golden State like that tonight.
— Tmac (@JeansnLipgloss) May 7, 2023
Finally a good Bron/AD game and it was a 30 point win. If they stop GS in transition which they did tonight and Game 1 they are the better team by far. Game 4 at home is a must win for the Lakers Finals hopes
— Kyle Roberts (@Kyle_Roberts_15) May 7, 2023
Lakers in 6
— josias (@Josiassama) May 7, 2023
