The Golden State Warriors were out for their first win at the Staples Center in four years against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night, though were without two of their starters in Stephen Curry and Andris Biedrins. And despite a terrific performance from Nate Robinson in is his Golden State debut and a well balanced attack from the starters and the bench, the W's fell just short as the Lakers won the game by the score of 97-90.
After getting out to a first half lead, the Warriors fell behind by double-digits towards the beginning of the fourth quarter, but showed some grit at the end of a game to get themselves back into it, something they haven't done much of thus far this season. But in the end Kobe Bryant and Co. would prove too much for the Warriors (2-5), extending their extensive losing streak to the Lakers (5-4) at Staples.
Nate Robinson was electric in his first half Warrior, scoring all nine of his points in the first half, but went cold in the second. Monta Ellis and Dorell Wright both started off slow, Though Monta ended with 18 and 10 assists, while Dorell scored his first points in the last three games, finishing 4-8 from the floor with 10 points . David Lee had himself a solid double-double as well with 15 and 11 boards.
Kwame Brown played well in his first start as a Warrior, dropping 13 points and grabbing six boards, while Klay Thompson had his best game as a professional, scoring 14 off the bench and going 2-3 from downtown.
It was once again the Kobe Bryant show for the Lakers, taking over in the second half, finishing with 39 points. Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes added 17 and 16 respectfully, while Troy Murphy added 7 off the bench. Andrew Bynum finished with 9 and a game high 16 rebounds.
In a game that Lee and Kwame outscored Pau and Bynum, and finally showing some fight at the end of the game, there are some positives to take away from tonight's game. But going 0-3 on the road trip isn't cutting it, especially with 18 turnovers and the Jazz to deal with tomorrow back at Oracle.
Full box score can be found here.
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