In a thrilling Game 4, the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Golden State Warriors 104-101 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Despite a triple-double performance from Steph Curry, it was the Lakers’ unsung hero, Lonnie Walker IV, who stole the show in the fourth quarter, pushing LA within reach of the Western Conference Finals.
The Los Angeles Lakers put themselves one win away from the Western Conference Finals after a nail-biting victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. LeBron James showcased his prowess with 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, but it was the unexpected heroics of Lonnie Walker IV that left a lasting impression.
Having played a relatively minor role in the latter half of the season, Walker has been a revelation in the series against the Warriors. Fresh off a 12-point performance in Game 3, he stepped up in crunch time with 15 points in the fourth quarter, sealing the win for his team. Walker expressed his elation post-game, stating, “(It’s) the greatest feeling you could ever imagine. As a kid, this is something I’ve been dreaming of.”
Although Steph Curry dazzled with a triple-double, scoring 31 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds, his costly turnover in the dying seconds halted the Warriors’ hopes of leveling the series. Golden State had held a 12-point lead in the third quarter, thanks in part to a season-high 15 points from Gary Payton II, who had been promoted to the starting lineup.
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However, the Lakers mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, outscoring the Warriors 17-10 as Walker came alive. With the series shifting back to the Bay Area for Game 5, the Lakers have a chance to secure their spot in the next round.
Historically, the odds are against Golden State, who hold a 1-14 record when trailing 3-1 in a series. Yet, both Klay Thompson and head coach Steve Kerr remain optimistic. Kerr emphasized the importance of winning at home: “The Lakers did a great job of holding serve here, so now we’ve got to go back and get a win at home and flip the momentum.” Thompson added, “We made history before. The goal is to win one at home. We know we are capable of taking care of home court.”
As the series returns to the Bay Area on Wednesday, the Warriors face a must-win situation, while the Lakers stand on the cusp of advancing to the Western Conference Finals. With the pressure mounting, it remains to be seen which team will rise to the occasion in Game 5.
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