SAN FRANCISCO— The Los Angeles Lakers' growing momentum continued on Saturday evening with a 118-108 road win over the Golden State Warriors, securing their fifth win in the last six games.
“For the second straight game, the game plan discipline and trusting the game plan and then going out and executing at an extremely high level was really good,” head coach JJ Redick said.
The Lakers third straight win improves their record to 25-18, sitting a half-game ahead of the Clippers for fifth in the West.
Here are some takeaways from the Lakers win in San Francisco:
Anthony Davis' Big Night
After the Lakers 117-96 win over the Celtics, Anthony Davis was vocal toward the front office, for the first time in purple and gold, about wanting a center (via trade) to move to the power forward position.
He alluded to being free to roam the floor playing at power forward during the Lakers' 2020 championship bubble season—adding the last time he played it—with Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee at the center spot.
Davis followed those statements, still at center, with a 36-point outing, scoring 18 points in the second half.
Davis added 13 rebounds, three steals, and three assists in 36 minutes of action while shooting 56.5%, 13-for-23, from the field. This is his 15th 30-point game and his 31st double-double this season.
Keeping Curry Scoreless
Stephen Curry, who leads the Warriors in scoring, averaging 22.6 points coming in, was L.A.’s biggest threat offensively, as the 36-year-old can catch fire at any given moment and spark a lead or rally.
Curry led Golden State with 13 points at halftime but was blanketed to zero points in the second half, missing all eight of his shots.
The defensive game plan was solid, but as LeBron James (25 points, 12 assists) put it, the strategy was to put bodies in front of him and ‘hope that he misses.’
Curry shot 22.2% (two-for-nine) from 3-point range and 23.5% overall from the floor on four-for-17 in 32 minutes.
The Return of Jarred Vanderbilt
After missing almost a year of basketball, defensive forward Jarred Vanderbilt made his return (ankle) for the first time since playing on Feb. 1, 2024. He played two six-minute spurts from a minute restriction. Both spurts came in both halves, totaling 12 minutes.
Vanderbilt flashed active hands and strong defensive activity behind a lineup alongside James and Dorrian Finney-Smith at the front court. Vanderbilt totaled two points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
“It means everything. It's been a long journey, a tough journey. It's almost been a full calendar year since I was able to play the game again. Just taking everything, embracing the moment, and being thankful,” Vanderbilt said on his return.
“It's a big step in the right direction, and I'm excited. It's been a hell of a journey."
Next Game
L.A., who are on a six-game road trip, will play back-to-back days in their next two on Monday and Tuesday against the Hornets and Sixers.
The Hornets matchup was rescheduled due to the L.A. fires. They come into the matchup snapping a 10-game losing streak after an 11-point win over the Phoenix Suns. Chino Hills native LaMelo Ball led the way for Charlotte in the win with 32 points.