Golden State Blows Out L.A. Lakers to Win 8th Straight

Klay Thompson set an NBA record by hitting his first ten three point shots to open the game in leading the Golden State Warriors to a 130-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 21st. Thompson led the scoring with 44 points in just 27 minutes of playing time. He scored 23 of his 44 in the third quarter. Kevin Durant scored 20 and Stephen Curry had 11 for the Warriors.

The Lakers were without the injured LeBron James and Lonzo Ball. It’s especially evident how much LeBron contributes to the team; since he sustained a groin injury in the Lakers’ Christmas Day win over Golden State, L.A. is 5-9. They were 20-14 on Christmas and are now 25-23. LeBron is improving, but not ready to return yet.

Golden State’s record improved to 33-14, and the Warriors have won eight straight and nine of 10. Still, in the Western Conference standings, the 1st place Warriors have just a one game lead over the Denver Nuggets and a 4 1/2 game lead over both Oklahoma City and Portland.

But Golden State has just unleashed another weapon in its arsenal. DeMarcus Cousins, who suffered a season ending left Achilles injury a year ago, made his season debut on January 19th in the Warrior’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in 48 games for New Orleans before his injury. Golden State signed him in the off season, and he scored 14 points before fouling out (in just 15 minutes playing time) against the Clippers; he had eight points, nine rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes against the Lakers. Golden State can be patient in bringing him up to speed, as the team is loaded with talent as it is. If he can get anywhere near his career averages of 21. 5 points and 11 rebounds per game, the Warriors will be hard to stop. Again.