The Golden State Warriors avoided elimination with a 121-106 Game 5 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Wednesday, bringing the Western Conference semifinal series to 3-2. Here’s what you need to know:
- Los Angeles forward Anthony Davis was taken off with what the team described as a head injury after he was elbowed to the face by Warriors center Kevon Looney during the fourth quarter. Davis finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes.
- Stephen Curry scored a game-high 27 points, adding eight assists and three rebounds to lead Golden State to victory. Andrew Wiggins added 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Draymond Green rounded out the Warriors’ trio of 20 with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
- LeBron James scored 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.
- Los Angeles hosts Game 6 on Friday.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
What we know about Davis’ injury
The most important result for the Lakers from this match is Davis’ health. Davis exited the game at the 7:34 mark of the fourth quarter after absorbing an unintentional elbow to the temple from Looney. Davis was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair and was feeling dizzy leaving the floor, according to a team source.
If Davis gets a concussion, he will miss Game 6 and possibly Game 7 – a result of the series change. Lakers coach Darvin Hamm said Davis “looks like he’s doing a really good job” after seeing him in the locker room. – Poha
Key stats for the Golden State
Wiggins scored 25 points. Green scored 20 points. This is the most goals Wiggins has scored since he left the team in mid-February and missed two months. His shot looked better. His aggression escalated.
Green’s 20 points can be seen as somewhat of a team measure. Green rarely reaches that plateau. He’s only scored 20 goals since Christmas 2019. But when he gets close, the Warriors have historically won.
The Warriors are 27-2 over the last 29 games in which Green has scored at least 18 points and are now 4-0 in these playoffs when he reaches double digits. – Slater
Highlight of the game
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(Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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