01/14: LAKERS @ Golden State Warriors Q-by-Q Reaction

Q4:

LAL 98 GS 116

Well, the game was pretty much over in the 3rd quarter. It's just wonderful to see the respect from the Oracle Arena crowd when Byron Scott decided to insert Kobe Bryant back in for the final time, even if it was a couple of minutes. This will be the only regret in my lifetime since I'm a Laker fan residing in the Bay Area: not going to a Warriors game when the Lakers were in town to see Kobe in his absolute prime play. Personal feelings aside, beautiful send off for Kobe from the Bay Area. Stay tuned for the full recap.

Q3:

LAL 72 GS 86

The $100 million question: can the Lakers hang around with the Warriors for a full 48 minutes? Well, they continued to keep it close in the early part of the 3rd quarter. But, the Warriors are once again making it look easy on this Lakers defense. Too many easy points in the paint and the 3 pointers continue to rain down. It also doesn't help that the Lakers' play got way out of hand late and players just start turning the ball over to the Warriors.

Q2:

LAL 49 GS 52

We all know Curry is going to have his way, as expected of the NBA's best player and there's nothing the Laker D can do about it. But, big plus for the Lakers for hanging around in the first half against the champs. They are making this a game out there. Onto the halftime report.

Q1:

LAL 23 GS 24

It is what you expect at the start in Kobe Bryant's final game at the Oracle Arena. Kobe exchanging shots with either Klay Thompson or Steph Curry, preferrably Curry is worth the price of admission. I thought this was a good competitive quarter for the Lakers. Since getting blown out the water in the first meeting, the Lakers have put up a better fight against the defending champs. The question is now is whether they can keep up for a full 48 minutes against this Warriors team.