Stephen Curry returned to the Golden State lineup with an impressive 31-point performance, complemented by Klay Thompson’s 26 points off the bench, leading the Warriors to a crucial 128-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in a significant Western Conference showdown.
Despite LeBron James’ remarkable 40-point effort, along with nine assists and eight rebounds for the Lakers, they faced adversity when Anthony Davis exited the game with an eye injury, sidelining him for the final three quarters.
The game’s conclusion was marred by prolonged delays due to replay reviews, including one that nullified a 3-pointer by James, followed by a malfunctioning shot clock, extending the contest.
Davis sustained a left eye injury after a collision with Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis while attempting a layup in the first quarter.
Although Davis initially continued playing, his eye eventually swelled shut, forcing him to head to the locker room. The Lakers labeled Davis’ injury as an eye contusion.
Capitalizing on Davis’ absence, the Warriors capitalized inside, dominating the paint and outrebounding the Lakers by six while accumulating a 62-54 advantage in points scored inside.
Alongside Curry and Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga contributed 23 points for the Warriors, while Draymond Green made his presence felt with six points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists, returning from a brief absence due to back soreness.
D’Angelo Russell’s 23 points and 13 assists were not enough to lift the Lakers, who suffered their second consecutive defeat.
