It was an outstanding night in San Francisco. The Golden State Warriors held their ring ceremony to celebrate winning the NBA championship last year. But, the Lakers entered with one mission: to spoil their division rival’s night.
Let’s face it: the last time the Lakers won the first game of the season was in 2017. Against the Houston Rockets, this was when guys like Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and others were on the team. But, this game against Golden State was different. The idea that the Warriors would be “hungover” from their championship and allow the Lakers to take advantage seemed reasonable.
That couldn’t be more wrong than the truth. Los Angeles failed to record a lead larger than two points and was outscored in all four quarters on their way to a 123-109 loss.
Stephen Curry didn’t miss a beat, scoring 33 points despite being 4-13 from beyond the arc. Andrew Wiggins had 20 points, while Klay Thompson finished with 18. The defending champs had their way against the Lakers, and it looked like a blowout as the game shifted into the second half.
Steph Curry could not be stopped ‼️
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 19, 2022
33 PTS for the reigning Finals MVP in the dub pic.twitter.com/fYEGySW73B
Golden State shot 45% from the field compared to the Lakers’ 43% but made their mark by shooting 35% from three-point range.
The Lakers Were Terrible.
But, let’s look at the positives. LeBron James didn’t miss a beat himself, scoring 31 points and acquiring 14 rebounds. He also had eight assists, two shy of a triple-double.
Anthony Davis played 36 minutes and finished with 27 points and six rebounds. Russell Westbrook wasn’t too shabby himself, adding 19 points and 11 rebounds.
But, the role players did not step up to the challenge against a deep Warriors team. Everyone except Kendrick Nunn failed to register more than three points.
Free agent acquisition Patrick Beverley was added to provide three-point shooting and defense. So much for that, as he finished with three points and five fouls. Very helpful, indeed.
No Lonnie Walker, you’re not innocent either. Five points in 29 minutes are unacceptable in itself.
In all, everyone besides the three superstars needs to step up their game if Los Angeles wants a chance to even sniff the playoffs.
10/40 from three-point range was the main reason behind the Lakers’ 14-point loss to Golden State. We can’t be surprised as the shooting was a key concern heading into the regular season. Kendrick Nunn was the most efficient shooter from range (3-6 from beyond the arc).
21 turnovers were also a key culprit to the fall of the Lakers, but at least they scored 58 points in the paint compared to the Warriors’ 40. See, I found a positive.
In the end, the Lakers fall to 0-1 on the year and failed to spoil Golden State’s ring night. But, there are 81 games left, starting with Thursday night at home against the Los Angeles Clippers.
This gives the Lakers a day or two to get things back on track and get a W in the win column. Tonight wasn’t the night, as the Warriors flexed their championship muscle and beat down the Purple & Gold.
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