Lakers vs Warriors Game 3: Key Plays and Turning Points That Decided the NBA Showdown

Having watched countless NBA showdowns over the years, I can confidently say that Game 3 between the Lakers and Warriors delivered exactly what basketball purists crave—a contest where precision and patience ultimately triumphed over raw power. Much like the softened fairways neutralizing long hitters in that P2 million golf tournament, last night’s game saw the Warriors' explosive three-point shooting largely neutralized by the Lakers' methodical, possession-by-possession approach. The turning point came late in the third quarter, when Anthony Davis, who finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds, blocked Stephen Curry’s signature step-back three. That single play didn’t just deny the Warriors three points—it shifted the momentum entirely, forcing Golden State into rushed shots while the Lakers capitalized with deliberate, high-percentage looks near the rim.

I’ve always believed that in high-stakes matchups, it’s not about who makes the flashiest plays, but who maintains composure when the pressure mounts. LeBron James, even at 38, demonstrated exactly that. His decision-making in the pick-and-roll, particularly in the fourth quarter, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. On one possession, with the shot clock winding down, he drew two defenders and dished to Austin Reaves in the corner for a clutch three-pointer that extended the lead to 8 points with just over four minutes left. Statistically, the Lakers shot 52% from the field in the second half, compared to the Warriors’ 43%—a gap that underscores how Los Angeles leveraged patience and precision to dismantle Golden State’s small-ball lineup.

What stood out to me, though, was the Warriors’ uncharacteristic struggle from beyond the arc. They attempted 45 threes but converted only 14, which translates to a disappointing 31%. Klay Thompson, usually so reliable in these situations, went 5-for-17 from deep. You could see the frustration building as the Lakers consistently closed out on shooters, using their length to disrupt rhythm without fouling. It reminded me of how, in that golf tournament, softened conditions forced players to rely on putting and course management rather than sheer power. Similarly, the Warriors’ "long game" was effectively countered, and their inability to adjust cost them dearly in the final minutes.

From my perspective, the Lakers’ defensive adjustments after halftime were the real game-changer. Coach Darvin Ham’s decision to switch more aggressively on screens limited Curry’s driving lanes and forced others to beat them. The Warriors, who averaged 118 points per game in the regular season, were held to just 102 in this one. I’ve seen this pattern before—when a team known for its offensive firepower gets slowed down, frustration sets in, and mistakes follow. The Lakers, on the other hand, looked calm and calculated, much like those golfers navigating challenging conditions. They knew when to push the pace and when to slow it down, and that balance made all the difference.

In the end, this game wasn’t decided by individual brilliance alone, but by which team better embodied the virtues of precision and patience. The Lakers’ 112-102 victory wasn’t just a numbers game—it was a testament to their ability to execute under pressure, something I’ve come to appreciate more with each season I cover. While the Warriors have the talent to bounce back, last night’s performance showed that in a battle of wits and discipline, Los Angeles might just have the upper hand moving forward.