Curry Sizzles, Warriors Down The Lakers

The Golden State Warriors came to Los Angeles amidst speculation about Coach Mark Jackson‘s relationship with team ownership, after two dismissals of assistant coaches, and a somewhat disappointing regular season. After a successful playoff run last year, the Warriors were expected to make “the leap”.

The National media’s response to such mild drama, shows the massive adjustment the entire NBA is making in this post Lakers era of relevance. In this new era, Steph Curry is being billed as a marquee player and fans across the league are beginning to buy in. Curry and the Warriors are one of the league’s most entertaining teams.

Curry treated Staples Center as his personal showcase, slashing the Lakers with a triple double as Golden State ran away from the Lakers, 112-95 at Staples.

There was a palpable energy in the arena tonight in anticipation of Curry. The Staples crowd buzzed on Curry’s every move, and he didn’t disappoint. In the first, Curry scored 11 points on a array of playground level pull-ups and deep jumpers. Steve Blake received a nice reception from the crowd upon entering in the 1st quarter. The Lakers were able to keep pace with 6 three pointers and were tied after the end of the period at 26.

In the 2nd, Blake scored 8 points and Curry remained hot, scoring 11 and the Warriors broke out a 23-9 run to end the half. Jordan Hill scored 8 points and played well but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Golden State. The Warriors led 58-43 at the half.

The third quarter was in cruise control as both teams settled into an offensive flow. Draymond Green scored 7 and Mareese Speights scored 6, as Curry relaxed with the game in hand. Nick Young and Jodie Meeks each scored 6 in the period but weren’t able to dent the Warriors’ lead.

The 4th quarter was extended garbage time for both teams but within that Nick Young got hot, scoring 15 points in the quarter, off of numerous long jumpers. Klay Thompson matched Young scoring 11 points of his own in the quarter. The game was never in doubt in the 2nd half.

Curry scored 30 points, with 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Klay Thompson and Mareese Speights scored 16 apiece. For the Lakers, Nick Young had 25 points, Jordan Hill had one of his best all around games of the season with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ryan Kelly had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Warriors shot 49% from the field and 52% from 3%, with 17 turnovers. The Lakers were woeful shooting 39% from the field and 32% from 3, with 15 turnovers.

The Lakers play the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday in Los Angeles.