Los Angeles Lakers edge closer to Western Conference Finals with win over Golden State Warriors.
1. Introduction
The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals after its victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the best-of-seven NBA playoff series. LeBron James led the Lakers with 27 points while Lonnie Walker IV scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help LA complete the comeback. This article will recap the game and analyze what this loss means for the Warriors going forward.
Lakers Take 3-1 Lead Over GSW Game 4 in NBA playoffs With Unlikely Hero
2. The Game Recap
The fourth game of this series was as intense as the previous games. The Lakers had a two-point advantage over the Warriors in the first quarter. However, the Warriors fought back and took a double-digit lead in the third quarter, capitalizing on the change in its starting line-up, as Gary Payton II scored a season-high 15 points. But the Lakers rallied in the final quarter, with Walker scoring 15 crucial points to lead to the victory.
3. The Lakers’ unlikely hero in the victory
Lonnie Walker IV came up as an unlikely hero in the Lakers’ victory over the Warriors. Once a bench player over the second half of the season, Walker returned to the rotation against the Warriors and has been instrumental in their success. He scored 12 points in GSW Game 3 and delivered 15 points in crunch time in Game 4 to lead his team to the brink of qualification for the next round of the playoffs.
4. Steph Curry’s triple-double not enough for the Warriors
Despite Steph Curry’s triple-double with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Warriors fell short in the GSW game 4. Curry showcased his ability to lead his team, but the costly turnover in the final seconds of the game loomed because the Warriors were searching for a game-tying shot. Ultimately, the Lakers clamped down defensively and took advantage of Golden State's offensive struggles in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
5. Warriors facing elimination after Game 4 loss
The Warriors’ loss means that they are now trailing in the series 3-1. Golden State is known for its resilience, but at present, the odds are not in its favor. According to ESPN, the Warriors are 1-14 all time in series after trailing 3-1. Its only successful comeback came in the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
6. Can Golden State extend the series?
Despite the long odds, the Warriors remain optimistic about its chances in the series. Guard Klay Thompson and coach Steve Kerr believe that the team has the capability to extend the series. According to Kerr, the Lakers successfully maintained their position, and now the team needs to win at home and shift the momentum. Thompson shared his coach's sentiments, stating that it's enjoyable to look back on past experiences, learn from them, and channel the same competitive energy that helped them make a comeback. The next game in the series, Game 5, will be in the Bay Area, and the Warriors need to win to extend the series.
7. Conclusion
After winning Game 4 against the Warriors, the LA Lakers Series need just one more victory to progress to the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers had an unlikely hero in Lonnie Walker IV, who scored 15 points in the fourth quarter of the game. The Warriors were led by Steph Curry but still fell short against the Lakers. The Warriors are now trailing in the series 3-1, and their quest to extend the series will begin with Game 5.
