Warriors Rally Past Lakers After Doncic’s Fast Start

Luka Doncic opened Friday’s game against Golden State with 21 points in the first quarter, as the Lakers built a lead that reached 25. Warriors fans booed him and chanted against him, continuing a feud that began during the teams’ season opener with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Doncic responded to the crowd with gestures after making shots, while Lendeborg, who had criticized him after their earlier meeting, struggled to make an impact.

Golden State changed the game by pressuring Doncic and forcing the ball out of his hands. After dishing five assists in the opening 12 minutes, he had none over the next 25, and made one of five shots in the second quarter. The Warriors also cut down their turnovers and attacked Doncic on defense. Lendeborg picked up fouls and finished with six points, one rebound, no assists and five turnovers before fouling out.

Stephen Curry led the comeback with 31 points, while Brandin Podziemski scored 21. De’Anthony Melton added 16, and Draymond Green contributed nine assists. Golden State’s bench outscored Los Angeles’ reserves 50-7, and the Warriors held the Lakers to 57 points over the final three quarters. A 26-4 run spanning the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth helped seal the 17-point win, Golden State’s third straight after an 0-3 start. Doncic finished with 37 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Curry said the team had to respond together after Doncic’s explosive start; Lendeborg said his teammates had his back.