The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers matchup capped off a huge slate of games as the NBA celebrated MLK Day to honor Dr. Martin Lurther King Jr.
What transpired in this contest at the STAPLES Center was similar to what went down in the two team's previous contest on Christmas Day - a blowout. Only this time, it was the two-time defending champions getting the best of the shorthanded Lakers as they extended their win streak to eight games.
It was a close contest up until half-time when the Warriors led the Lakers by 10 (65-55) but the champs blew the game open in the third quarter courtesy of Klay Thompson. He erupted for 44 points (23 points in the third quarter) on 10-11 shooting from beyond the arc and 17-of-20 from the field.
🔥🔥 @KLAYTHOMPSON IN HIS ZONE! 🔥🔥
— NBA (@NBA) January 22, 2019
The @warriors shooting guard (44 PTS) ties the NBA record for 3PM to start a game without missing, hitting his first 10 three-point attempts! #DubNation pic.twitter.com/3m67HL5ytM
The other Warriors' All-Stars chipped in to ensure the team eased to victory, with reigning NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant putting up an efficient 20 points (61.5% shooting), along with six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, while Stephen Curry dished out 12 assists to go with 11 points. He struggled to get his shot going all night, connecting on just 3-of-12 from the field.
In 22 minutes each, forwards Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins combined for 13 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals.
As a team, Golden State shot 51% from the field and 43.2% from beyond the arc, while registering 41 assists on their 50 made field goals.
On the other hand, the Lakers, who were without LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball, shot 50% from the field, but they couldn't keep up with the Warriors' long distance shooting. The Lakers only made five three-pointers on 25.0% shooting.
Golden State will now take their road trip to the East where they will face the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, and the Indiana Pacers over the next week. Meanwhile, the Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and the Philadelphia 76ers at home over the next week.
