Lakers vs. Warriors score: Anthony Davis sends dominant message as Los Angeles takes 1-0 series lead

The Los Angeles Lakers stole Game 1 of their second-round series versus the Warriors with a 117-112 victory on Tuesday night. Anthony Davis was an absolute monster with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. 

Stephen Curry led the way for Golden State with 27 points on six 3-pointers, but he took way too long to get it going after a 10-point first quarter. Jarred Vanderbilt was terrific defensively against Curry, and Davis basically roped off the paint all night. 

LeBron James finished with 22 points and 11 boards. He still can’t find his 3-point shot, finishing just 1 of 8 from deep. 

Both teams played to their identities. The Lakers outscored the Warriors 54-24 in the paint and made 25 free throws to Golden State’s five. The Warriors, on the other hand, canned 21 3-pointers to the Lakers’ six. 

In fact, the Warriors became the first team in playoff history to have three players finish with at least six 3-pointers each (Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole and Curry) and they still lose the game. That’s tough to do, but credit the Lakers. They were physical and committed to transition defense, which has been an issue for them all season. 

Once they get in the half-court, that’s where they settle in and defend with size and physicality. That was the story on Tuesday. It got them a giant win to start this series as they immediately steal home-court advantage. Game 2 is set for Thursday in San Francisco.