The Lakers opened the Western Conference Semifinals with the road win against the Warriors (117-112), led by Anthony Davis who scored 30 points and grabbed 23 rebounds.
Los Angeles led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, but the defending NBA champions managed to tie the game at 112 with under 2 minutes left to play.
After the game Lakers head coach Darvin Ham was asked how his team was able to withstand the Warriors’ rally and take the win.
“I just think us being solid, remaining solid, staying organized offensively and not discouraged defensively,” Ham said. “We came in with a game plan, we knew there’s going to be ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys within this 48-minute game.
“That’s just who they are. They put a lot of pressure on you to guard continuously second by second, minute by minute, quarter by quarter, half by half.
“The biggest thing again us having the next play mentality giving multiple efforts. You saw plenty of times guys getting to the paint, guys active spraying around, taking quick outlet to three passes away.
“Our guys being active, AD specifically in the paint showing his hands getting deflections, getting blocks, coming up with tough rebounds.
“And then on the other end of the floor just trying to be organized, making sure we got a good look every time down, whether it was make or miss, making sure we got good looks.”
