“Series ball” number two for the Lakers which, after having been logically dominated among the Warriors in Game 5, could still qualify for the conference final, but this time at home. Except that the defending champions, accustomed to finding themselves in perilous situations, had the opportunity to prove once again that their heart is still beating and that it should not be underestimated…
Nevertheless, as in Game 6 against the Grizzlies in the first round, the start of the match turned completely in favor of the players of Los Angeles, aggressive inside to cause fouls, and extremely focused. Through offensive rebounds, Golden State remained alive, but the whole was far too fragile to seriously shake up these “Purple & Gold”, calm and serene to repel the danger and press on the opposing weaknesses, letting the game come to them.
Broadly similar to the first, the second period also did not disturb the teammates of LeBron James (30 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) and Anthony Davis (17 points, 20 rebounds), far too in control to be taken over by Stephen Curry (32 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and others. In short, it is therefore a small correction inflicted by the men of Darvin Ham to those of Steve Kerr (122-101), without it suffering the slightest challenge.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— Los Angeles still responds at the right time. Since the beginning of these playoffs, the Lakers have not lost two games in a row and they have certainly not lost once at home. Calm, serene and intelligent, they seem better than ever when they have no room for error and, so far, this strength of character allows them to pass any obstacle with ease. No coincidence that some now consider this team as favorites for the title, because beyond counting LeBron James and Anthony Davis in its ranks, it can rely on a solid army of “role players” behind them…
— Los Angeles pursues its daydream. In February, the Lakers were still four wins from the play-in and, just three months later, they are four wins from the Finals. A tremendous turnaround, initiated by the movements made at the “trade deadline”, which allows the best team in the West post-All-Star Weekend to confirm its status as the scarecrow of the table. And, after having released the best record in the league at home (Memphis) then the defending champion (Golden State), now the “Purple & Gold” are attacking the leader of their conference (Denver) in the next round…
— The end of an era for Golden State? And if the Warriors version “Stephen Curry – Klay Thompson – Draymond Green – Andre Iguodala – Steve Kerr” had played the last game of their wealthy period of domination? Not impossible to say, especially because Green can test the market and because Iguodala is more than ever close to retirement, while Thompson may (or not) be extended by his leaders during the summer. Clearly, we may have witnessed a moment in history last night: the end of a dynasty and of one of the most beautiful collectives of all time. Just that…
— The unique prowess of LeBron James. Under Steve Kerr, the Warriors are now in 26 playoff series played, for 23 qualifications and only 3 eliminations (i.e.… 88% success). But the craziest thing about this crazy stat is that only one “team” has managed to eliminate the “Dubs” several times, and it is a team carried by the “King”. In 2016 with the Cavaliers and now in 2023 with the Lakers, Stephen Curry’s “best” enemy thus bent his Californian rivals, demonstrating that he was, is and will remain the only bulwark to the Bay dynasty.
— End of series for Golden State. With this elimination against the Lakers, without winning the slightest time in Los Angeles, the Warriors have therefore seen two of their historic series come to an end: that of the number of consecutive qualifications against a team from the same conference (19) and that of the number of consecutive playoff series with at least one away victory. They had been in progress since… 2015 and 2013 respectively. Did you say dynasty?
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ LeBron James & Anthony Davis. The bosses must be present in the big meetings and this is precisely what the LeBron / Davis pair did, on a mission last night. Offensively and defensively, the two Californian leaders showed the way to the rest of the team, with accuracy and intelligence, which finally categorizes these Lakers quite well. And, as for a month, they did not need to force or overdo it, because the Angeleno collective is deep and oiled enough to allow “LBJ” and “AD” to activate the automatic pilot mode by sequences. A good omen for the future…
✅ Austin Reaves. In the shadow of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the other key element of the Lakers was named Reaves this night (23 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds). Back on a good dynamic after his bad run, the “combo guard” of LA continues to impress with his composure, while he plays… his first career playoffs. Clever, intelligent and confident, he leaves no room for doubt when the game demands it and he doesn’t back down from anything. If Los Angeles is in this position today, it is partly due to the emergence of its “sophomore” in the second half of the season.
✅ Stephen Curry. We could also have mentioned Donte DiVincenzo and Kevon Looney, who fought like hell out of the bench, but it’s hard not to highlight the performance of the one who remains the reigning Finals MVP. Despite the difficulties of his team, as well as his clumsiness (11/28, including 4/14 from 3-pointers), Curry did not let go and continued to give himself body and soul, to bring Golden State back into contact. It was not enough on arrival, but the boss of the Warriors bowed arms in hand. It is up to its leaders to provide it with reinforcements this summer.
⛔ The Thompson-Wiggins-Poole Trio. The clumsiness of the Warriors in this decisive Game 6 was symbolized by Klay Thompson (3/19), Andrew Wiggins (2/8) and Jordan Poole (…), who were unable to effectively and correctly support Stephen Curry. Nothing to remember, everything to throw away from this meeting and it will now be necessary to consider the future decisions of the leaders of Golden State, in particular about Thompson and Poole…
