The host LA Lakers played determinedly to pay tribute to the team’s legend, but still fell to the Golden State Warriors 114-116 in overtime
The two teams played poorly in the first half of the match, but everything changed after the ceremony of retiring the shirt numbers 8 and 24 for Kobe Bryant in the middle of the match. The Lakers’ young players played much better after being inspired by their seniors.
The Lakers continuously scored points at the beginning of the third quarter, leading back to the away team. Without Stephen Curry, Zaza Pachulia and Draymond Green, Golden State’s scoring ability is limited. The defending champion team cannot get too far ahead of the home team.
SportsOther subjectsTuesday, December 19, 2017, 16:28 (GMT+7)
Kevin Durant sowed sadness for the Lakers on Kobe Bryant’s appreciation day
The host LA Lakers played determinedly to pay tribute to the team’s legend, but still fell to the Golden State Warriors 114-116 in overtime.
The two teams played poorly in the first half of the match, but everything changed after the ceremony of retiring the shirt numbers 8 and 24 for Kobe Bryant in the middle of the match. The Lakers’ young players played much better after being inspired by their seniors.
The Lakers continuously scored points at the beginning of the third quarter, leading back to the away team. Without Stephen Curry, Zaza Pachulia and Draymond Green, Golden State’s scoring ability is limited. The defending champion team cannot get too far ahead of the home team.
The tense battle lasted until the last seconds. Durant missed the decisive three-point shot, and the two teams entered overtime tied at 102-102.
But in extra time, the All-Star’s bravery was shown. Durant’s two consecutive successful three-pointers helped Golden State advance. The Lakers equalized 114-114 with half a minute left in the game, but the final joy still belonged to Golden State after Durant’s two-point shot in the final seconds.
Durant’s 12 points in overtime alone helped Golden State leave with a result of 116-114. This is the seventh consecutive victory for the second team in the Western group. The two teams will meet again this Saturday morning, Hanoi time, at Golden State’s Oracle Arena.
Winning seven consecutive matches, the Warriors could not close the gap with the leading team Houston Rockets. The team of Chris Paul or James Harden had their 14th consecutive victory. The Rockets scored 41 points compared to only 15 of the Utah Jazz in the final half, to overcome the opponent 120-99.
The exciting morning saw three wins with a difference of just one point. Boston edged Indiana 112-111, OKC Thunder beat Denver 95-94 and Minnesota beat Portland 108-107.
