On Sunday afternoon, the Golden State Warriors will face the rival Los Angeles Lakers to kick off a three-game road trip. The Warriors are excited to finally have the superstar advantage.
When the Warriors and Lakers meet for the fourth and final time this season, the Warriors expect Stephen Curry to return from an 11-game absence caused by a partially torn ligament in his left knee.
They won’t have to deal with LeBron James this time because he’s still out with a foot injury.
Ten days ago, the Lakers defeated the Western Conference playoff contenders 124-111 at home after taking advantage of Curry’s absence. Before finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, James had a chance at a triple-double.
Before that, Curry outscored James 33-31 on the Warriors’ opening night, when they handed out their 2022 championship rings and won 123-109.
They then both missed a rematch on February 11 in Los Angeles, which the Lakers won 109-103. With 26 points, Dennis Schroder led the hosts in that game.
In Curry’s absence, the Warriors are 7-4. However, they interspersed road losses against both Los Angeles teams and Portland with seven wins in eight games played at home.
The Warriors have won five of their last six games at home. However, their last five losses have come on the road.
The last four of Golden State’s home victories over Minnesota, Portland, the Clippers, and New Orleans came from deficits of as much as 14 points, 23 points, 12 points, and 17 points, respectively.
In the five victories, Klay Thompson scored an average of 28.6 points and made 28 of 55 (31%) 3-pointers. Over that time, he has made the most 3-pointers in NBA history.
Friday’s 110-102 loss to the Timberwolves kicked off a five-game homestand for the Lakers, who were desperate for wins as they looked up at the Warriors and nine other teams in the Western standings.
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis scored 38 points and made 12 of 22 shots, but his nine teammates only went 24-for-64 (38 percent) and scored 64 points.
Since James suffered his injury last week against Dallas, the Lakers are now 1-2. Darvin Ham, Los Angeles coach, was unhappy with the performance against Minnesota.
