LeBron James who scored a game leading 56 points against the Golden State Warriors takes the ball against the Warriors Andrew Wiggins (22) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Mar 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

Fourth Quarter Meltdown Hands Warriors Fourth Loss In A Row 124-116

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night two struggling teams were trying to set their ship right. The Golden State Warriors (43-21) took on the Los Angeles Lakers (28-36) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and fell to the Lakers 124-116. The Warriors have lost four in a row for the first time this season.

When the season started, the Warriors almost looked unbeatable and the Lakers with their impressive starters were actually picked to win the Western Conference. Fast forward and the Lakers are fighting to maintain a spot that will make them eligible for the play-in game. They have lost every game since the All-Star dropping four in a row.

The Warriors, although in a much better spot than Los Angeles, having been struggling losing seven of their last nine games. They are missing Draymond Green and right now there is no timetable for his return. Golden State does have the second best record in the NBA.

Before the game Magic Johnson was explaining exactly what has been happening with the Lakers and their lack of offense and defense. Everything that he said could have been applied to the Warriors as well. Both of these teams were hoping to turn things around tonight.

The first quarter was all Lakers as they took a 25-11 lead. They were pounding the Warriors in the paint and keeping the Warrior offense at bay. It was an ugly start for Golden State. As the quarter began to wind down the Warriors made a move cutting the Laker lead in half 32-25.

After the quarter Head Coach Steve Kerr was asked what he though of the first quarter. “I didn’t think much of it,” he said. “We didn’t put up much of a fight.” The way that Golden State ended the quarter was far better than their start.

The Warriors kept the pressure on the Lakers and at 7:12 in the second quarter had taken the lead 45-40. There had been a 24 point turnaround since the start of the game. The early Laker start had gone completely awry. After trailing by as much as 14 in the second quarter the Lakers made a move as the half came to an end trailing by the score of 67-62.

LeBron James had scored 26 points in the first two quarters. The high score for the Warriors was off the bench as Jordan Poole came away with 16 points. Stephen Curry had 14.

The Warriors continued to lead through the third quarter but it all turned around in the fourth. The Golden State offense began to stumble and LeBron hit a couple of three’s that gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half 100-97.

The Golden State defense needed to tighten up. The final seven minutes of this game was electrifying. Great offense and defense by both teams, a flurry of three’s and this game was up for grabs.

The Warriors had a meltdown in the final three minutes offensively and defensively. Giving the Lakers wide open looks was not going to win very many games and late game turnovers sealed the Warriors fate as they lost their fourth game in a row.

LeBron finished with an amazing 56 points. Curry had 30 points and Poole had 23 off the bench for the Warriors in just one of another disappointing game for Golden State. This loss coupled with the Memphis Grizzlies win dropped the Warriors into third place in the Western Conference.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Warriors as they take on the Denver Nuggets Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.