As expected, the Warriors responded to Chase Center, overcoming the Lakers without shaking. From the start of this Game 5, Los Angeles was overwhelmed by the intensity and energy of Golden State by conceding a 17-5 from the start. The meeting was then balanced before the men by Darvin Ham did not crack again at the end of the second quarter then at the start of the third quarter, leaving the Warriors to fly away for good. Stephen Curry’s teammates therefore saved the first match point by returning to 3-2.
“Obviously it’s a proud group. Congratulations to them for doing the job at home” reacted Darvin Ham. “That’s how the playoffs go. They entered the floor, they had the public behind them, they returned baskets from the start of the match, especially at 3-pointers. But you know, that’s how it is. We have to be ready to do the same at home.”.
The “role players” more comfortable at home
If LeBron James and Anthony Davis were rather good, this is not the case of the “supporting cast” of the Lakers. Apart from a few sparks, the “role players” have not shown themselves up to the task on this Game 5, and we are of course thinking of D’Angelo Russell or even Jarred Vanderbilt, whose impact on the series is diminishing more and more . If the Lakers have taken control of the series, it is because a “role player” has come out of his box with each victory.
But history shows it well: the “role players” are much better in home games in the playoffs. We could see it with the heroic performance of Lonnie Walker I in the previous game.
“We’ll see what we did wrong on video. It is obvious that it is not for nothing that they are the defending champions” said Austin Reaves. “I think at the start of the first and third quarters they played harder than us. That was the most important thing. But as I said, we will watch the video tomorrow, improve and prepare for Game 6”.
The Lakers now find themselves in a copy-paste of the series against the Grizzlies, in the first round of these playoffs. They took Game 1, conceded Game 2, before winning the next two at home to lead 3-1, then lost away in Game 5.
6-0 at the Crypto.com Arena
From now on, the series returns to Los Angeles where they will have the opportunity to conclude the series in front of their public, as they had done against Memphis. That night, LeBron James’ teammates had downright humiliated Taylor Jenkins’ men by 40 points apart…
“We have a new opportunity. It’s obvious they played exceptionally well tonight.” LeBron James said. “We had a few good moments, but not for 48 minutes like we should, but we have another opportunity on Friday, and we’re looking forward to that game”.
The series therefore resumes the direction of the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers are undefeated in the playoffs with a record of 5-0, or even 6-0 if we count the “play-in” match against the Wolves. And Darvin Ham’s men have always reacted well after a defeat since they have never lost twice in a row since the start of the playoffs.
“Friday is another opportunity for us to see where we are, see what we’re made of, and get back on the court with the grit and the drive we’ve had since we’ve been together since the All-Star Break. » concluded LeBron James. “We’re a very resilient team, we respond well to adversity, and we’re looking forward to it, to have the opportunity to play again on Friday. We didn’t do the right thing tonight so I can’t wait to catch up with our fans for another second round game. You know, those six games we’ve won at home since the start of the postseason are no longer relevant. It’s over. Our job is to try to be 1-0 on Friday. And I look forward to this opportunity”.
