"When heâs on a roll like that, thereâs absolutely nobody on their team who can stop him," Lakers guard Russell Westbrook, who scored 20 points, said. "Tonight, he compelled his will and exerted complete control over the game on all levels. It was critical, even more so tonight in games like this one." WORK TO BE DONE
Los Angeles has been dealing with the fallout from a grueling slog through last season's playoffs and this season's constricted schedule the whole season. Everyone agreed on one thing: wait until the playoffs, when the Lakers will turn the switch. This may be a chance for the Lakers to send a message, since they are still deeper and better than Golden State, despite their recent struggles. They went 2-1 versus the Warriors this season, outscoring them by an average of 18.3 points per game.
3. The Warriors' downward spiral continues
This season, the Warriors jumped off to an 18-2 start, signaling to the rest of the NBA that they were back as championship contenders. However, since since Draymond Green had a back injury, that status has been called into question. The previous several weeks have been particularly worrying.
It was ultimately settled by a three-point margin in favor of the reigning champions (103-100).
@KingJames' LONG DISTANCE GAME-WINNER FROM ALL ANGLES! 🔥🤯@ The Lakers will receive the #7 seed in the #NBAPlayoffs' Western Conference and will play #2 Phoenix in the First Round (Game 1 Sunday, 3:30 p.m./et on ABC). pic.twitter.com/CpEtashUc2 NBA (@NBA) 20 May 2021
