Los Angeles Lakers Hand Golden State Warriors 6th Loss With 112-95 Upset Win
The Los Angeles Lakers handed the Golden State Warriors a shocking 112-95 defeat last Sunday at the Staples Center. Heading into the game, the Lakers are the worst team in the Western Conference while the Warriors have the best record in the NBA.
It was only the sixth loss for Golden State this season, who are still on pace to break the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls record of 72 wins. As for the Lakers, it was only their 13th win in 64 games this season and may break last year's franchise-worst 21-61 record.
Byron Scott's Manhood Motivation
According to Mark Medina, Lakers head coach Byron Scoot had a very odd but effective pregame speech. The 54-year-old coach reportedly questioned his players' manhood before the game and it proved to be effective.
Sophomore guard Jordan Clarkson scored a game-high 25 points while rookie D'Angelo Russell added 21. Kobe Bryant only played 24 minutes due to a sore shoulder but was able to chip in 12 points to help the Lakers score the upset win.
"Kobe kept us on our toes. He was coaching us the whole game from the sideline. Telling us to push it when we got it, don't wait, and it worked," Russell said after the game. The Lakers' win also snapped the defending champions' seven-game winning streak.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were the only Warriors to score in double figures with 18 and 15 points, respectively. They combined to take 40 shots with only 13 falling inside the hoop.
"We haven't brought our A-plus game, but we've found different ways to win. That's what we've been most proud of this year," Curry said. "Today could have been the same story had we made shots in the third quarter and not dug ourselves such a huge hole."
Golden State's Chase for 73 Wins
The defending champs played sloppy and careless basketball that led to 20 turnovers. Even though the Golden State Warriors are still on pace to break the Bulls' 72-10 record, Sunday's 17-point loss could be costly for them.
The team's schedule to end the season will not be very easy since they will face the San Antonio Spurs three more times. Other formidable teams that could cause problems to the Warriors in the final stretch include the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers.
Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters last Friday that resting his player is more important than the chase for 73 wins. He said, "Resting, that will take precedence. We will rest guys if they need it before we will go for any kind of streak or record, that's for sure."
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