After stealing Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals from the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers went into Game 2 looking to take control of the series.
They took a 33-26 lead at the end of the first quarter and looked to be in business. Instead, over the next two periods, they drowned in the lava that erupted out of the volcano known as Klay Thompson.
Thompson had 30 points and hit on 8-of-11 shots from 3-point range, and 25 of his points and seven of his treys came in the second and third quarters, during which the Warriors outscored L.A., 84-47. That outburst led to a 127-100 outcome that evened the series at 1.
There is now doubt and concern surrounding the Lakers, especially when it comes to Anthony Davis, who had a very poor game just two days after he was historically dominant in Game 1. However, it shouldn’t be too surprising. Most expected this series to be topsy-turvy and very competitive.
Former NBA player Ryan Hollins said on “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” that, in his view, whoever wins Game 3 will win the series (h/t The Cold Wire).
"Whoever wins this Game 3 wins the series."
— @TheRyanHollins on Lakers-Warriors shifting to Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/4BRLAHrlA8
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 5, 2023
Hollins’ reasoning is sound. The team that wins Game 3 in a 1-1 series has gone on to take the series 73% of the time throughout NBA history.
Teams to win Game 3 of best-of-7 series when tied 1-1, go on to win series 73% of the times — all-time.#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/DsCeHhHXLz
— Ortweets™ (@carlesortiz) May 5, 2023
The third game will take place on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, which means the Lakers will get a much-needed boost from their home fans, who have been loud thus far in the postseason.
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