SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After another big basket, Klay Thompson lunges toward fans seated on the court across from the Warriors’ bench and throws his arms in the air to light up an entire yard behind him. It didn’t take long for his shots to fall.
He’s been waiting his whole life to shine against his father’s Los Angeles Lakers on the big stage.
Thompson scored 30 points on eight three-pointers, Golden State limited Anthony Davis while allowing LeBron James 23 points, and the defending champion Warriors tied the Western Conference Semifinals with the Lakers in a one-game 127-100 win Thursday night.
“I was just trying to cheer the crowd on,” Thompson said. “It’s always fun when you hit the ball well, and it’s even better when a couple wins.”
Stephen Curry added 20 points and 12 assists as Splash Brother Thompson got hot to help Golden State get 21 more three-pointers – giving the Warriors an NBA record in the first two games of a playoff series at 42. James Cavaliers hit 40. vs. Atlanta in the second round 2016.
“They made their adjustments. We knew they would, and that’s what a championship team does,” James said. “They kept serving in their court tonight.”
Coach Steve Kerr turned things around and brought JaMychal Green into the starting lineup for Kevon Looney, who notched 23 rebounds in Game 1 but was dealing with an illness. Kerr sought to create a different look with scoring options and more free throw opportunities by working aggressively with Maddie against Davis in the paint – Golden State was utterly outplayed in a 117-112 loss in the opener.
Thompson’s basket with 7:48 left in the third gave Golden State their biggest lead at 82-64 and the Warriors rolled from there.
“Clay really got it going and our defense was kind of fueling our offense,” Kerr said.
The Warriors had more fast-break points and points in the paint. JaMychal Green equaled his playoff career with 15 points, while Draymond Green contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists after insisting he should be more aggressive.
“I was waiting for this moment, I just wanted to show that I can help,” said Jamichal Green. “They always tell me to stay ready, my time will come.”
The best-of-seven series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday. Back home in Southern California, Thompson said he will play in memory of “my biggest inspiration” Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi.
“I have a lot of respect for the opportunity that just lies ahead of me,” Thompson said.
James shot 6-for-8 in the first with a pair of 3-seconds for 14 points as the Lakers advanced 33-26. He recovered a loose ball and let it fly a beautiful 3 with 7:47 left in the first half but the Warriors overdid it.
Davis followed up his impressive Game 1 performance – 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, four blocked shots and 11-for-19 shooting – with 11 points while shooting 5-for-11, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
“We played more aggressively,” said Draymond Green.
Golden State outscored the Lakers 84-47 during the second and third quarters – recording two 40-point quarters in the same playoff game for the first time in franchise history.
“It was difficult for us to protect four shooters,” Lakers forward Rui Hashimura said. “Defensively they were more aggressive I feel. They had all the loose balls and rebounds and everything.”
Looney had a huge roar as he came off the bench for his first action with 3:41 left in the first. He grabbed eight rebounds and scored six points in less than 12 minutes of play – and the Warriors still edged the Lakers 55-40 without their MVP.
“We’re able to play a lot of different ways, and I’m able to play a lot of different ways,” Carey said.
Kerr wasn’t worried ahead of game two, noting that Golden State lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals at home to Boston last year before winning it all.
The Warriors also rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the first round to defeat Sacramento, the defending champions.
“You could say, they’re out ready just to try and secure a game, and again we’re not back at 0-2,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.
Clay day
Thompson shot 11-for-18 and 8-of-11 from deep. His 19 first-half points were the most in a postseason contest since he scored 21 in Game 6 against the Rockets in 2019.
main sequence
The Warriors challenged a fumble offense by Andrew Wiggins with James’ defense at the 2:50 mark of the second quarter. The call was overturned and the block was assessed to James, a Lakers assistant received a technical during the review process—and the Warriors converted all three free throws to take a 60-50 lead before Thompson’s 3 the next.
Tip-ins
Lakers: James was -27 through three quarters. The only time he’s had a worse minus than three in a playoff game was Game 1 of a second-round series against the Pistons in 2006. … In a big change from Game 1, the Lakers didn’t take their first free throws until 1:03 before halftime and their four match attempts were the second fewest in the first half of the season.
Warriors: Musa Moody added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench and Gary Payton II added seven points and five boards as Golden State dominated on the glass throughout the game. … JaMychal Green made his first playoff appearance since April 26, 2019, with the Clippers against the Warriors in Game 6 of the first round. “Two hours before game time, Lunn fell very ill,” Kerr said. … Golden State improved to 20-6 in Game 2s dating back to 2014-15.
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