Lakers Edge Warriors 104-101, Take 3-1 Series Lead

Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers lived up to the hype. It also was like game one, which came down to the last possession. The Warriors, despite not being as sharp in a big game as usual, had a chance down 104-101. That chance, however, turned into a disaster, as a costly Draymond Green turnover now has Golden State on the brink of elimination. Some might be stunned at how this series has unfolded thus far, with the Lakers up 3-1 over the defending NBA champions, but here’s three reasons why it’s not a total surprise.

The Anthony Davis Effect

The first reason why the Warriors are down 3-1 to the Lakers is because of Anthony Davis and his presence on the court. Davis is averaging 22.3 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in the series against Golden State. The scoring numbers aren’t through the roof, but his dominance on the glass and disrupting the Warriors shots have them looking for an adjustment.

The Anthony Davis effect has also caused the Warriors to change their starting lineup three straight games. The changes have helped the Warriors a bit, but not as much as they hoped it would. The first change was starting JaMychal Green in game 2, which helped in game 2 when Green scored 15 points in the Warriors 127-100 win over the Lakers. But that didn’t last long, as in games 3 and 4 combined, he scored two points combined in 13 total minutes.

In game 4, they really wanted to make Davis guard more, as the Warriors inserted Gary Payton II into the starting lineup. It did work some, as Payton set good screens to force him out of the paint, which did work some, but ultimately, the Lakers closed the door on it.

The Warriors main goal when it comes to dealing with Davis’ presence is going small and speeding up their tempo, but it’s made them even more vulnerable. The Lakers are putting pressure on the rim, hurting the Warriors in the paint, on the glass, and at the free throw line.  To sum it all up, you’re seeing how great and impactful Davis is without having to score 30 points or more each night. He’s a big reason why the Lakers are a defensive juggernaut and also why the Warriors are struggling to find their footing.

The Lakers “Others” Are Stepping Up

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal always says to win in the playoffs, your complementary pieces and role players have to step up. O’Neal calls them the “others” and they’ve tipped the scales for the Lakers against the Warriors. D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Dennis Schroder, and Lonnie Walker all have had their moments offensively.

In each of the Lakers three victories in the series, they’ve received a scoring punch from at least one of them. In each game, they’re getting at least 15 points or more from one, sometimes two players who have the hot hand that given night. They’re taking some of the load off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to have to score 30 points or more each game.

Warriors Strength In Numbers Mantra Is Taking A Punch

As mentioned, the Lakers have a key contributor or two step up consistently in this series, but for the Warriors, it’s been the opposite. They aren’t getting much from Jordan Poole, who’s averaging 8.0 points and 4.3 assists per game on 35.3% shooting in four games in this series. They also aren’t getting much consistently from Klay Thompson, who had an outstanding game two (30 points). But in games three and four, Thompson’s scored 24 points combined.

It’s not just Poole and Thompson who are struggling for the Warriors, Andrew Wiggins is another player who’s been shaky at times. Wiggins, from a confidence standpoint, doesn’t look like the guy who helped the Warriors win a championship last season.

Golden State always has relied on playing together as a collective unit to win, but at times, they’re resorting to hero ball, which isn’t who they are considering their personnel. The Warriors are looking like a team that’s lost their identity, while the Lakers right now know who they are as team. It’s tipping the scales in this series right now.

Lakers Defensive Versatility

The Lakers, ever since they made the trades at the trading deadline, improved defensively drastically. They’ve been the best defense in the NBA since the All-Star break, and are giving teams fits. They’re doing the same to the Warriors in this series because they have length and they’re athletic on the wing.

The Warriors have faced teams like that before defensively, but it hasn’t been as easy for them despite winning those matchups. They had to work harder than they anticipated to get the job done, which is what the Lakers are putting to the test. They’re putting length on the court, which is disrupting Golden State’s offense that’s based on movement off the ball. They’re getting in the passing lanes for steals, blocking shots at the rim, and forcing the Warriors to shoot over the top of their length.

The Lakers are very versatile defensively because they have the personnel to switch everything defensively and still be very disruptive. On the Lakers roster, the smallest player on the floor in terms of height is Dennis Schroder, who’s 6’1. Everyone else that’s on the floor is 6’4 or taller and they keep opponents off of the free throw line.

The gameplan for the Lakers defensively against the Warriors has been simple: Anyone not names Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson can shoot perimeter shots. They’re playing the percentages when it comes to Golden State’s complementary pieces. They’ll live with the shots they’ll make, and if they miss, they’ll secure the rebound and push the pace in transition.

Notes

The Warriors have won a road game in 28 straight playoff series, which is the longest streak in NBA playoff history. The Lakers are looking to be the first seventh seed from the play-in tournament format to make the Western Conference Finals. Something has to give, as the series shifts back to San Francisco for game five.

*Featured Photo Courtesy of MassLive.com*