Introduction
On May 19, 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors faced off in game 5 of the NBA play-in tournament. The winner of this game would secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs, while the loser would have to play another game for a chance to make it to the postseason. This highly anticipated matchup featured two of the biggest stars in the league, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, and did not disappoint. This article will break down the game and provide insights into the key moments that led to the Lakers’ victory.
The First Half
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The Lakers were without their starting point guard, Dennis Schroder, due to COVID-19 protocols, which put more pressure on LeBron James to run the offense. The Warriors took advantage of this, playing tight defense and forcing turnovers. However, the Lakers managed to keep the game close, thanks to the strong play of Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
As the first half progressed, both teams started to find their groove. Stephen Curry began to heat up, hitting several three-pointers and keeping the Warriors in the game. On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James started to take over, scoring at will and dishing out assists to his teammates. The half ended with the Warriors up by two points, but the Lakers were starting to gain momentum.
The Second Half
The second half was a different story, as the Lakers came out firing on all cylinders. LeBron James continued to dominate, scoring from all over the court and making his teammates better. Anthony Davis also stepped up his game, hitting key shots and playing tough defense. The Warriors tried to keep up, but the Lakers’ intensity was too much to handle.
One of the key moments of the game came in the fourth quarter, when LeBron James hit a clutch three-pointer to put the Lakers up by nine points. This shot seemed to deflate the Warriors, who were unable to mount a comeback. Stephen Curry tried his best, but he was not able to carry the team on his own. The Lakers went on to win the game 103-100, securing their spot in the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Lakers Warriors game 5 was a thrilling matchup that showcased the best of what the NBA has to offer. It featured two of the biggest stars in the league, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who put on a show for fans around the world. The Lakers’ victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the playoffs continue, it will be exciting to see how both teams fare and if they will meet again in the postseason.
