The Los Angeles Lakers had a prime opportunity to close this series out, but the reigning NBA champions refused to let it happen.
The Golden State Warriors came out quite aggressive and never took their foot off the gas, making a statement with a 15-point home win.
The Lakers looked gassed and overmatched for most of the game, and Austin Reaves had no choice but to give the Warriors their flowers after the win.
Even so, Reaves is fully confident in his team’s ability to bounce back from his loss and finish the job when the series heads back to Crypto.com Arena.
“Like every other loss, you never want to have two in a row.. like I said they’re the defending champs for a reason.” Austin Reaves on closing out the series at home. pic.twitter.com/TUTcY2d61U
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 11, 2023
The Lakers always knew this wasn’t going to be an easy job.
Even if the Warriors have struggled on the road all season, and even if they’re not as young as they used to be, they still have championship pedigree and have been in this position way too many times already.
They’re not the kind of team that will crumble under pressure, and they have the playoff mindset and aura that makes them and their fans believe that they can come back from any deficit.
The Lakers are still in a prime position to finish the job and punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals, but Anthony Davis’ availability could be a major issue going forward, as there’s a chance he’ll have to enter the league’s concussion protocol.
Whatever the case, Darvin Ham will have to hit the drawing board again to make the necessary adjustments to try and not extend this series any further.
NEXT: NBA Insider Gives Latest Update On Anthony Davis Injury
