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LeBron James was arguably the best player in the first half of Game 2 between the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He bounced back after a rough shooting night in Game 1 with 15 points before producing a stunning three just as the shot clock expired.
After hitting just one 3-pointer out of eight attempts in Game 1, James made his second one in the second quarter of the night.
The Warriors’ pick-and-roll defense against D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis was on point, which forced a kick out to “King James.” Even with Andrew Wiggins closely contesting the shot, he nailed it just as the shot clock expired.
James' shot, though, was one of the very few things that went right for the Lakers in the second quarter. They had no answer for the barrage of points that the Warriors detonated on them.
Golden State's 41-23 surge heading into the halftime break broke the game wide open. With the home crowd erupting with every Warriors basket, the LA Lakers melted.
Klay Thompson went toe-to-toe with LeBron James early on, hitting 7-12 shots, including 5-7 from behind the arc. He had 19 points to spearhead the Warriors.
James scored 21 points on 9-13 shooting, including 3-5 from deep. He didn't get any support though. Anthony Davis only had four points, five rebounds, four assists and one block after the first 24 minutes of the game.
LeBron James and the LA Lakers could only watch as the Golden State Warriors piled on the points
The LA Lakers were only trailing 67-56 despite the Golden State Warriors' second-quarter explosion. Any hopes of a comeback disintegrated promptly after the halftime break.
The Warriors sustained their fiery form and dropped another 40-point quarter. Golden State's 43-24 advantage in the third period ended the Lakers' night.
Almost everyone coach Steve Kerr inserted into the lineup produced for the defending champs. JaMychal Green, who started in place of the ill Kevon Looney, had 15 points, highlighted by 3-6 shooting from deep.
Steph Curry contented himself with orchestrating the plays. He had 12 assists while directing the Warriors' offensive sets. The reigning NBA Finals MVP also had 20 points, on an efficient 7-12 from the field. He also hit three of his five 3-pointers.
Golden State shot 21-53 from deep in Game 1 and lost. They were 21-42 in Game 2 and blew out the LA Lakers.
The difference in Game 2 win was how they controlled the paint. They were crushed in the series opener but outscored the Lakers 48-42 in the paint in Game 2.
Despite the lopsided loss, LeBron James and the Lakers will be happy after stealing homecourt advantage. They will now have to defend it starting Saturday.
