It’s Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers currently lead the series 2-1 after winning Game 3 by 30 points. This game presents a big opportunity for the lakers to take a commanding 3-1 series lead and all-but-secure a Western Conference Finals appearance.
But tonight they will be up against the resilient, experienced, Curry-led Warriors, who will be hungry for the opportunity to avenge their blowout loss on Saturday. Klay Thompson described that game as the Warriors being punked, and they will be determined not to let that happen again.
Injury Report
Lebron James and Anthony Davis are probable for the Lakers while Mo Bamba is questionable. Andre Iguodala and Patrick Baldwin Jr. are out for Golden State.
Defensive Anchor
Although offensively Anthony Davis has had his ups and downs this playoffs, on the defensive end he has been consistently phenomenal, yet again proving why he’s one of the best defenders (if not the best) in the world. Davis was everywhere on Saturday, anchoring the Laker defense with blocks, deflections, steals, and most importantly disrupting the Golden State pick and roll.
AD’s defense is essential for the Lakers, and his continued excellence on that end throughout this postseason can’t go unrecognized or underappreciated.
Counter Adjustment
In Game 2, the Warriors offensive focal point was the Draymond Green – Steph Curry pick and roll. The counter-adjustment from the Lakers was Darvin ham putting Reaves on Curry and Vanderbilt on Green in order to improve the Lakers’ switchability. It paid dividends for Ham. We now await Kerr’s counter-counter-adjustment.
X-Factor D’Lo
D’Angelo Russell has come under heavy criticism in the past about his postseason performances, but he has been an effective scorer and playmaker for the Lakers this post season. He started off hot on Saturday, enabling the Lakers to get going early. When Russell is aggressive the Lakers win; they 6-0 in the post season when he attempts more than 13 shots. Kerr has again changed his starting lineup, adding Gary Payton II in what seems like a bit to slow Russell down. He must keep up the pressure.
It’s a pivotal Game 4 under the Hollywood lights with tip off at 10 ET on TNT. Can the lakers take a commanding 3-1 lead back up to the Bay Area or are the defending champs able to tie it up heading back home? It will be another absolute battle.
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