Warriors Erase 25-Point Deficit: Curry's 31 Points Sink Lakers
Golden State becomes the first team in three decades to overcome a 25-point first-quarter hole, fueled by Stephen Curry's late-game explosion and a defensive switch that forced Luka Doncic into a fall.
By Rebecca Foster ·
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 on Friday night, erasing a 25-point deficit to secure their third win of the season. The result marks the first time in the past 30 seasons that a team has trailed by 25 points and won by at least 17. Stephen Curry scored 31 points to lead the comeback, which capped a 38-15 second-quarter run that neutralized a 38-15 first-quarter lead for Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic dominated the early stages of the game, scoring 21 points and dishing out five assists in the first quarter. His performance extended the Lakers' lead to 38-15 and prompted him to shush the crowd after hearing chants of "Luka sucks." The momentum shifted in the second quarter as Doncic sat on the bench. Warriors reserves Georges Niang and De'Anthony Melton combined for 27 points, hitting multiple three-pointers to close the gap.
Curry contributed to the surge with eight points and three assists in the latter part of the first half. He hit a deep three and a difficult layup, then set up Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford for three-pointers. This sequence completed the 38-15 run. In the shot clock era, it stands as the largest deficit overcome at the end of the first quarter to reach halftime even or ahead. Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted that the pace and three-point shooting create wild swings, comparing the situation to a recent Utah Jazz and Lakers game where Utah led by 19 in the first quarter.
Curry added eight points in the third quarter and nine in the fourth, finishing with 75 points across his last two games. Podziemski added 21 points and six assists. The defensive strategy focused on isolating Doncic, using screens to force him onto Curry. With 6:27 left in the third quarter, Curry trapped Doncic on the left wing. A dribble combination caused Doncic to misstep and fall to the floor. Curry paused, looked at the fallen star, and drained a three-pointer before celebrating.
Curry told the Amazon Prime postgame crew that he did not expect the play to get that physical. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who had recently criticized Doncic, described the moment as astonishing. Lendeborg noted that teammates on the bench called the play intense. The performance helped shield Lendeborg from the spotlight after a rough second matchup against the Lakers.
Lendeborg struggled in the second half, committing two quick fouls that sapped his aggressiveness. He finished with six points, six fouls, and five turnovers, calling it the worst game of his life. Doncic scored 37 points and finished plus-nine for the Lakers. Lendeborg joked about trying not to wet the bed as badly in the future. He acknowledged he dwells on bad performances, but the condensed schedule offers little time to dwell.
The Warriors improved to 3-3 after opening the season 0-3. They face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. Curry emphasized that the team supports Lendeborg through his struggles. He described the situation as a trial by fire, noting that the rookie is built for the demands of the job.
