Shorthanded Warriors Battle But Fall to Lakers in Gritty Road Loss
The Golden State Warriors wrapped up their quick two-game road swing in Los Angeles on Saturday night, and while the marquee matchup was missing some star power, the game itself didn’t lack for drama. With Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Luka Dončić all sidelined, it was LeBron James and Austin Reaves who carried the spotlight - and ultimately helped the Lakers edge out a 105-99 win.
Golden State came into this one riding high off a strong defensive showing in Phoenix. Early on, it looked like they might carry that momentum into Crypto.com Arena.
The Warriors controlled much of the first half, staying disciplined on both ends and keeping the Lakers off balance. But a third-quarter surge - 38 points from L.A. - flipped the script.
The Lakers’ burst out of halftime was the turning point, and the Warriors couldn’t quite claw their way back.
Kerr Stays Encouraged Despite the Loss
After the final buzzer, head coach Steve Kerr wasn’t hanging his head. Despite the offensive struggles, he saw plenty to build on.
“Just couldn’t generate enough offense,” Kerr said. “But I love the effort and the fight, and we’ll keep plugging away.”
And he’s not wrong. The Warriors had their chances.
They just couldn’t buy a bucket from deep - finishing just 14-of-51 from three (27.5%). But they made up for it in other areas.
Golden State forced 22 Lakers turnovers and turned those into 25 points, while keeping their own giveaways to just 12 - a stat Kerr will take any night.
They even managed to win the battle in the paint, 48-42, which is no small feat considering the Warriors have been at the bottom of the league in that category, while the Lakers rank top-12.
Moody and the Young Core Shine Again
One of the biggest silver linings? The continued emergence of the Warriors’ supporting cast.
Moses Moody led the charge with a game-high 25 points, including five made threes. It marked his 12th double-digit scoring game in his last 13 outings - a stretch that’s quickly becoming more than just a hot streak. Moody’s confidence is growing, and his production is starting to look like something the Warriors can count on, even when Curry and Kristaps Porziņģis return to the lineup.
Gui Santos continued his breakout run with his sixth straight game in double figures. He, along with Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, and Gary Payton II, all chipped in at least 10 points and shot 50% or better from the field. For a team missing its top scorers, that kind of efficiency from the role players kept the Warriors in striking distance all night.
Veteran Struggles Prove Costly
Not everyone had it going, though. De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford - both key contributors in Thursday’s win - couldn’t find their rhythm this time around.
The veteran duo combined for just 9 points on 4-of-16 shooting and were deep in the negative on the plus-minus sheet. It was an uncharacteristic off night, especially for Melton, who’s been a steady presence all season.
What’s Next for Golden State
This loss won’t sit well in the locker room, but it’s not a backbreaker either. The Warriors showed grit, got meaningful minutes from their young core, and nearly stole one on the road without their superstar. That’s the kind of fight that can pay dividends down the stretch of a long season.
For now, the focus shifts to getting healthy - and keeping the momentum going for the guys who are stepping up in the meantime. If Moody, Santos, and company keep trending in the right direction, the Warriors might just find themselves with a deeper, more dangerous rotation once their stars return.