The Golden State Warriors rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t as big as say the Lakers and the Boston Celtics, but don’t tell that to Warriors fans. When the Lake Show rolls through town, there’s a different atmosphere at Oracle Arena, and the players always get up for it.
Tonight has been no different as the Warriors fought back to take a 43-38 lead at halftime. Neither team shot very well in the half, but the Warriors up tempo offense has been forcing turnovers and making quick buckets.
After the Lakers started the game with a 10-0 run, it looked like it was going to be one of those nights. But some poor shooting by the Lakers let the W’s get back into it, and eventually took the lead in the second quarter. Monta Ellis had 14 points in the half, David Lee had 12 and 5 boards, while Dorell Wright and Steph Curry struggled with a combined 6 points on 3-18 shooting. The Warriors shot 40% for the half but out rebounded the Lakers 25-24.
Of those 24 rebounds the Lakers have, Andrew Bynum had 13 of them, adding 6 points and a steal. Kobe Bryant had Pau Gasol had 9, and Lamar Odom had 5. The lakers shot 38% as a team an uncharacteristic 11 turnovers.
The Warriors can keep the Lakers from the top seed in the West if they get the win tonight, and if they keep up their level of play they could definitely do it.