Golden State went 13 for 44 on 3-pointers - making just 10 while the game was still competitive - after hitting 21 in each of the series' first two games in San Francisco.ĭavis had an impressive bounce-back game under both baskets, blocking four shots and leading the Lakers' latest strong defensive effort. Stephen Curry scored 23 points and Andrew Wiggins had 16 in a collective stinker for the Warriors, who committed 19 turnovers and never mounted a response to the Lakers on either end in the second half. Just let the game come to me and make my imprint when needed.” “That’s just how the game was going,” James said of his unusual start. The 38-year-old also mixed in a handful of plays that defied his age and 20 years of NBA experience, making a deft spin move and blocking a shot on the other end shortly after he leaped the front row of fans and ran well up into the stands following a deflection. James curiously didn't shoot the ball until well into the second quarter, yet he led the way while Los Angeles pulled away. Not one team in this league tests you more in that than Golden State, so we have to be alert for a test on every single possession.” 'For us to reach our potential, we have to defend at a high level. “We’re one of the best defensive teams in the league, if not the best,' James said.

Los Angeles seized control in the middle quarters, outscoring the Warriors 63-38 to turn Game 3 into a laugher. Turns out James and his Lakers were just taking a while to warm up before they steamrolled the Golden State Warriors.Īnthony Davis had 25 points and 13 rebounds, a slow-starting James finished with 21 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, and the Lakers took a 2-1 lead in their second-round playoff series with a 127-97 victory Saturday night.ĭ'Angelo Russell hit five 3-pointers while scoring 21 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who remained unbeaten at home in the postseason with a strong defensive effort against the reigning NBA champions. LOS ANGELES (AP) LeBron James didn't take a shot in the first quarter of Game 3 for the first time in his NBA-record 275 playoff appearances, and the Los Angeles Lakers' home crowd rumbled with mild uncertainty each time he passed the ball instead.

Once upon the end by james riley