What we learned as Steph’s big Christmas game wasted in loss to Lakers

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What we learned as Steph’s big Christmas game wasted in loss to Lakers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

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Warriors coach Steve Kerr began the season experimenting with an extended rotation, one involving as many as 13 players, before shortening it considerably.

The number was 10 on Christmas Day, and the game featuring Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James largely was decided by their teammates.

Curry did everything in his power to pull the Warriors across the finish line, draining two incredible 3-pointers inside the final minute of the game.

But Curry’s heroics weren’t enough.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves scored the game-winner, driving around Andrew Wiggins for a layup with one second remaining in regulation.

The result was the Warriors getting lumps of coal and a 115-113 loss at Chase Center. They have lost 11 of their last 14 games.

Curry led the Warriors with a game-high 38 points, with Wiggins adding 21 and Jonathan Kuminga 14.

James led the Lakers with 31 points, with four teammates scoring in double figures, led by Reaves’ 26 points. Reaves’ 10 points and 10 assists gave him a triple-double.

Here are three observations from Golden State’s 12th clutch games, nine of which they have lost:

Battle of the legends

This game was sold as Curry vs. James, with the Warriors and Lakers serving as supporting casts. The legends showed why.

Curry’s 38 points came on 14-of-24 shooting from the field, including 8-of-15 from beyond the arc. He added six assists. He played 35 minutes, finishing minus-1.

James’ 31 points came on 12-of-22 shooting, including 2-of-4 from distance, along with 10 assists and four rebounds.

Consider the final 2:22 of the first half. With the Warriors trailing by seven, Curry drives for a layup to cut the margin to five. Ten seconds later, a James layup pushes it back to seven. He makes two free throws to raise LA’s lead to nine with 1:47 left in the half. Nine seconds later, Curry drains a triple, cutting the deficit to six. James responds with a jumper, pushing the lead to eight with 1:18 left in the half. Twelve seconds later, Curry…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-stephs-big-christmas-game-040745423.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-12-26 04:07:00

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