NBA 2022/23, on Tuesday, 09.05.2023
In California, the interest in the 2022/23 NBA Playoffs is decidedly high and rap legend Snoop Dogg is downright rejoicing. Because his Lilagoldenen could have the Dubs in the neighborhood duel soon so far.
Meanwhile, anything is possible for the Lakers in the NBA playoffs. Unlike other title contenders, they’ve found ways to conjure up points on the board even when their figurehead doesn’t deliver right off the bat.
For the first time in his playoff career, LeBron James went without a single field goal in the first quarter of Game 3. But that didn’t stop his teammates from keeping the Warriors at bay early: Russell scored the first eleven points for LA.
Golden State, on the other hand, once again failed to find a suitable recipe to break through the defense of the purple and gold and lost 97-127 as a result, although they had managed the interim series equalizer just two days earlier thanks to a 127-100.
Decisive for the victory in Game 3 was of course again Anthony Davis, who remains one of the pillars of the Californians in both defense and offense, on which the current high flight is based.
The second quarter, by the way, completely upset the Warriors, the last eight minutes of this section to be exact. A 40:29 in favor of the Dubs turned into a 48:59 at the break in no time.
Golden State fouled far too often in this phase! Los Angeles was awarded 15 whole free throws in those 12 minutes of play alone.
There were a lot of little things that made this 30:8 run of the Lakers possible and took away Golden State’s rhythm, but my general impression remains: The defending champions have had sand in their gears for quite some time.
Symptomatic for the Warriors’ problems to even build up the game in an orderly manner are the many ball losses, which the attentive Lilagoldenen knew how to convert into numerous points.
Golden State committed 19 turnovers, which the Lakers converted into 29 points, while the defending champions could only generate 14 points from the 13 LAL ball losses.
Not a huge difference, but one more reason why I trust Dennis Schröder’s playmaking on the Los Angeles side much more in Game 4! LA definitely runs the ball better!
An even bigger indictment of the Warriors was that they sank fewer threes than Los Angeles in Game 3. Yet this is the Dubs’ prime discipline, blessed as they are with a Stephen Curry at point guard.
But the best three-point specialist of his generation continues to have a tough time eluding the skin-tight guarding of Jarred Vanderbilt on a sustained basis.
We only recommend the best sports betting apps available on the internet to our readers. However, all reputable bookmakers that allow betting from mobile agree that Los Angeles cannot fail with momentum on its side.
Indeed, the Lakers Warriors odds on Game 4 feature a relatively clear favorite for the purple and gold.
The average LAL and GSW odds are 1.60 and 2.28 respectively – and who could blame the bookmakers for this assessment?
After all, the Lakers are 5 to 2 after games in the current NBA season, even 6 to 2 if you count the October 10, 2022 preseason matchup.
Conclusion: The Lakers’ concept is paying off so far. Because the purple and gold attack the basket at every opportunity, while the Warriors are looking more for the jump shot.
Furthermore, the home side is more attentive, draws up their own game better and also has a player in Anthony Davis who dominates the half court on both sides of the floor.
D’Angelo Russell remains for me one of the surprises of this postseason and even a LeBron James, who was still beside himself in the first quarter, could not upset Los Angeles.
Consequently, in my Lakers Warriors tip, I expect LA to go up 3-1 after games tonight against their faltering neighbor
