The NBA season is winding down, and each game feels like a mini playoff battle, especially for teams like the Lakers and Warriors. These aren’t teams scraping to avoid the play-in tournament—they’re already safely in the playoff picture. But seeding still matters, momentum is key, and neither team wants to give the other a confidence boost heading into the postseason. That’s exactly what made last night’s game so thrilling—it had the kind of intensity you’d expect in the postseason. The crowd was buzzing, the players were locked in, and every possession felt crucial.
At the center of it all were the usual suspects: LeBron James and Stephen Curry, two legends who continue to perform at an elite level despite years in the league. Curry finished with 37 points, a reminder of his ability to take over games and control the tempo. Meanwhile, LeBron, as expected, did everything he could to keep the Lakers competitive with his 33 points, showing his usual blend of power and finesse.
The game had a back-and-forth feel in the first half, with the Warriors taking a slight 63-57 lead into the break. While Golden State wasn’t perfect in the first half, they had been getting the shots they wanted, and most importantly, they were getting them from Curry. His scoring—especially from deep—kept the Lakers at bay. Curry’s ability to stretch the floor with his deep 3-pointers had the Lakers scrambling on defense, struggling to contest his shots.
On the other side, the Lakers were trying to keep pace. Austin Reaves was red-hot keeping the Lakers within striking distance, as did LeBron’s relentless efforts on both ends of the floor. Despite their best efforts, though, the Lakers went into the second half trailing by six.
That’s when the Warriors really began to assert their dominance.
Golden State came out of the locker room with a renewed sense of urgency. They didn’t just pick up where they left off—they turned the intensity up even higher. The Lakers outscored the Warriors 69-63 in the second half, but the key takeaway was how they maintained control and extended their lead as the game went on. Even when the Lakers made pushes, the Warriors responded with quick bursts of scoring and timely stops.
A big reason for Golden State’s success was their balanced attack. While Curry was doing his thing, he wasn’t alone in carrying the offense. Rookie Brandin Podziemski had a breakout performance, scoring 28 points, including eight 3-pointers. Podziemski’s ability to hit big shots, particularly in the second half, added another dimension to the Warriors’ offense and kept the Lakers from closing the gap. His confidence and shot-making made it clear just how deep this Warriors team is, which gave them an edge the Lakers couldn’t match.
Meanwhile, the Lakers had a tough time getting consistent contributions from anyone outside of LeBron and Reaves. The Warriors’ defense was tight, especially when it mattered most. They locked down LeBron’s drives to the basket, forcing him into difficult shots, and they were equally effective at making things tough for other key Lakers. Luka Dončić, who has been integral to the Lakers’ success this season, struggled throughout the game, finishing with just 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting. His 0-of-6 performance from three-point range kept the Lakers from finding any rhythm in their offense. Without more consistent production from the supporting cast, it became difficult for the Lakers to keep pace.
Draymond Green, as always, was doing the dirty work for Golden State. He chipped in with 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, providing his usual blend of leadership and defensive toughness. Green’s impact wasn’t always flashy, but his ability to disrupt the Lakers’ offense and create opportunities for his teammates was a crucial factor in the Warriors’ second-half success. Jimmy Butler III, recently acquired from Miami, also played an important role, contributing 11 points and hitting some key shots in the fourth quarter to help the Warriors maintain their lead.
Despite the Lakers’ best efforts, they couldn’t get closer than a few possessions down the stretch. Reaves kept hitting threes, keeping the Lakers within striking distance, but Curry wasn’t about to let the Warriors lose control. With just a few minutes remaining, Curry hit a dagger three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Davis, sealing the game and making it clear that the Warriors were simply the better team that night. The Lakers had no response left, and the Warriors finished the game with a well-earned 123-116 win.
The box score tells the story: Curry’s 37 points, Podziemski’s 28, and Green’s all-around contributions were just too much for the Lakers to handle. Despite strong individual performances from LeBron and Reaves, the Lakers couldn’t match the Warriors’ consistency over 48 minutes. The Warriors were simply the more complete team, with a deep roster capable of scoring from all angles.
The Warriors’ depth and ability to score efficiently—particularly from beyond the arc—were the difference-makers. While the Lakers had a strong first half, Golden State’s ability to keep the pressure on in the second half showed just how dangerous they can be heading into the playoffs. With Curry, Podziemski, and Green stepping up in big moments, the Warriors appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time.
Here’s the thing folks: For the Lakers, this loss was a reminder that, despite LeBron’s brilliance, they need more balance if they’re going to compete with teams like Golden State in the postseason. Relying solely on LeBron—and hoping for hot shooting from guys like Reaves—isn’t going to be enough. They need to find a way to get more out of their supporting cast, especially when key players like Dončić are off.
With that… The Warriors showed that their depth and consistency can overwhelm opponents, even in tightly contested games. They’re firing on all cylinders, and with a performance like this, they’ve solidified themselves as a team to watch in the upcoming playoff race. For the Lakers, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to shore up their weaknesses and find the balance that will allow them to compete with the Warriors and other elite teams in the West.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!