In a highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, fans witnessed a thrilling game that ultimately ended in disappointment for the Lakers and all those in attendance as they waited through a multitude of reviews late in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Davis Goes Down as Los Angeles Loses Lead
The first quarter started strong for Los Angeles as LeBron James showcased his dominance early on with 10 points and four assists, while Anthony Davis contributed 8 points and four rebounds. The Lakers and Warriors displayed solid shooting performances, with Los Angeles shooting 60% while Golden State shot 50% and made six shots from deep in the first quarter. The Lakers maintained a significant edge in points in the paint, outscoring the Warriors 14-4 down low to start the game.
Anthony Davis is still in the locker room after taking a shot to the eye
No foul was called on the play 🤨 pic.twitter.com/0o5yMiWYGq
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) March 17, 2024
The momentum, however, quickly shifted in the second quarter as Anthony Davis left the game due to an elbow to the eye. With Davis gone, Steph Curry immediately got two uncontested layups after going scoreless in the first quarter, helping the Warriors rally back to take the lead as they outscored the Lakers 37-30. The Lakers struggled in the third quarter, being outscored by 15 points with Anthony Davis off the floor. LeBron James led the charge with multiple and-1s and assists. Still, the Warriors trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jonathan Kuminga posed significant challenges for the Lakers’ defense, as each had 20 points before the final quarter started.
Reviews Ruin a Perfect Curry vs LeBron Battle
shot clock resets in the middle of warriors' possession pic.twitter.com/EVxYptOhC2
— ◇ (@2MANYBRIDGES) March 17, 2024
The final quarter had a flurry of issues from the referee crew and those working the shot clock and scoring system. To start the fourth, LeBron argued with the referees as the Warriors had an extended possession. The shot clock randomly reset with under 10 seconds left, allowing Golden State to reset their offense.
Taurean Prince: "We played 40 seconds of defense, This league."
LOL pic.twitter.com/46s2r5UlhL
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 17, 2024
LeBron took over the fourth, scoring on four of the past five possessions after hitting a corner three over Stephen Curry to cut the Warriors lead to four points with two minutes to go, or so the Lakers thought. After the ball was inbounded and the Warriors went down on their possession, the NBA’s replay center reviewed the sideline shot from LeBron, ruling James’ had stepped out before burying the corner 3-pointer. This had significant implications on the game as the Warriors would instead have the ball up by seven, 124-117, with 1:50 left.
Was LeBron James out of bounds on this three pointer? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/sdZnYPRnWF
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) March 17, 2024
After the game, LeBron James, on the reversed call, said, “I’ve never seen that be called before like that.” Warriors Steve Kerr after the game, had similar thoughts, saying he doesn’t understand why the NBA implements the rule as it may only apply to a few situations throughout the season. Lakers coach Darvin Ham said he hadn’t seen a situation where a three was taken away because of an out-of-bounds call, but “it is what it is.”
Steve Kerr details the “bizarre” ending. He said he doesn’t like the rule that allowed referees to go back and disallow the LeBron 3. pic.twitter.com/H5tktcZOXP
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 17, 2024
The shot clock reset early in the fourth wouldn’t be the only issue, though, as after the Lebron 3-pointer was wiped away, the number of reviews and shot clock issues led to a nearly 20-minute-long delay as fans and players waited to finish the final 1:50 of the final quarter. Many massive media members criticized Adam Silver and the NBA for the ending to the massive game.
This is so embarrassing for the NBA in a national TV game.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 17, 2024
Los Angeles Lakers Can’t Keep Up in the West
LeBron James finished the night with 40 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in the loss. The Warriors big three had a strong showing. Stephen Curry scored 31 points as Draymond Green added six points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists in their returns to Golden State’s lineup, while Klay Thompson added 26 off the bench.
NBA Crew Chief David Guthrie's explanations for why LeBron's 3 was taken away and why the shot clock malfunction that benefitted the Warriors was not reviewed: pic.twitter.com/OLANdJEBaD
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) March 17, 2024
The Lakers dropped to a record of 36-32, while the Warriors improved to 35-31, taking a 2-1 lead in the season series. The Lakers’ immediate concern lies with Anthony Davis’s injury, which forced him to exit the game early. Despite the wild ending, the Lakers must regroup and focus on their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks.
For More NBA News and Rumors
For more great content follow me on Facebook Bennett Ervin and on X/Twitter @BennettErvin8 To view more great stories featuring the NBA or College Hoops click this link.