Golden State Warriors Keep their Season Alive, Defeat Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5

With a 121-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday in San Francisco, Stephen Curry scored a game-high 27 points, Draymond Green added 20 points in a rare offensive outburst, and the Golden State Warriors advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.

The seventh-seeded Lakers will have another opportunity to advance to the Western finals when the series returns to Los Angeles on Friday. The Lakers are currently leading the best-of-seven series 3-2.

Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star center who was accidentally struck on the side of the head by Golden State’s Kevon Looney shortly before the midpoint of the fourth quarter on Wednesday, may not be able to play in the decisive Game 6.

Davis immediately exited the court and reportedly rolled into the Los Angeles locker room in a wheelchair. He was then scheduled for more testing. Davis left the game after scoring 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting.

The Warriors, who were going for their 20th consecutive series victory over Western opposition, broke a 54-all tie with a 16-5 run to take an 11-point lead into halftime. With a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to conclude the run, Curry gave the Warriors 11 3-pointers in 21 first-half attempts.

Golden State, the sixth-seeded team, was able to keep the visitors at bay in the second half as Green completed a 10-rebound night and Andrew Wiggins completed a 25-point outing.

Green’s 20-point performance was his fourth since 2018, although it was his 15th postseason game overall. In Game 5 of the opening round last month, he scored 21 points in a crucial victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Gary Payton II scored 13 points while making his second consecutive start for Golden State, while Jordan Poole scored 11 and Klay Thompson scored 10.

Curry made three 3-pointers to help his team win, and he also found time to dish out a game-high eight assists. Eight different Warriors made long-range shots, giving Golden State a 39-30 lead over the Lakers.

LeBron James led the Lakers, who lost Game 5 on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round before coming home to win the series in Game 6. James had 25 points and matched Davis’ team-high nine rebounds.

Los Angeles is 5-0 at home in the postseason with 15 points apiece from Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Dennis Schroder.