After they had a very poor and lackadaisical effort in Game 2 that resulted in a 27-point loss, the Los Angeles Lakers were being doubted by some observers and even their fans heading into Game 3 at home.
Early on, it looked like perhaps those doubters had a point. Los Angeles scored the first six points of the contest and jumped out to a 13-6 lead, but an 18-4 run late in the first quarter put the Warriors in front, and they went up by 11 with 7:53 left in the second quarter.
However, the Lakers woke up just in time. They scored 13 unanswered points in the second quarter to regain the lead, and overall it was a 30-8 run that gave them a 59-48 halftime lead. They went on that run by activating their defense, which led to 12 first-half turnovers by Golden State, as well as by attacking the paint more and getting out in transition.
A 10-0 run by Los Angeles late in the third period gave it an 18-point lead heading into the final frame, and the game was no longer in doubt, as it took a 2-1 series lead with a 127-97 decision, making up for its Game 2 setback.
As was the case in their Game 1 victory, the Lakers had a big advantage at the free throw line, attempting 37 foul shots to just 17 for Golden State. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were largely held in check, as the two combined for 38 points two days after Thompson scored 30 by himself.
The Purple and Gold now have the opportunity to put a stranglehold on this series by winning Game 4, which will take place on Monday.