Following the conclusion of the game, most of the Warriors players remained seated on the bench, with the exception of Draymond Green. In a show of sportsmanship, Green crossed halfcourt to embrace and congratulate LeBron James, a gesture that caused consternation among some Warriors fans. While Green and James have a relationship that extends beyond the court, some felt that his jovial behavior during such a significant loss was inappropriate.
Draymond and LeBron share a long hug pic.twitter.com/CKIRc6QYbh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 13, 2023
Throughout most of the fourth quarter of the game, it was evident that the Los Angeles Lakers would maintain their lead, if not increase it. As a result, Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr made the decision to clear his bench with roughly four minutes left in the game. During this time, Stephen Curry was seen on camera with a towel on his head, visibly disappointed as he leaned back on the bench.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were both clearly disheartened and felt the weight of the series that had just transpired. Despite their remarkable success over the past decade, any defeat prior to at least reaching the Finals will undoubtedly be a difficult pill to swallow, given their collective accomplishments and the standards they set for themselves.
It was apparent that the Lakers were in control for much of the game, and as a result, the Warriors were forced to come to terms with their loss. While Green’s actions were intended to show respect and admiration for James, it is understandable why some fans may have been upset by the display of sportsmanship during a loss of this magnitude.
Curry and Thompson’s dejection was palpable, and it was clear that the loss weighed heavily on their minds. Despite their success and experience, the Warriors hold themselves to a high standard, and any defeat is sure to be challenging to accept.
In conclusion, the Warriors’ loss to the Lakers was a bitter pill to swallow for players and fans alike. While Green’s actions may have rubbed some fans the wrong way, they were intended to show respect and admiration for a fellow athlete. Curry and Thompson’s despondency serves as a reminder of the high standards that the team holds themselves to, and their disappointment is a testament to their drive and dedication to the sport.
Dennis Schroder’s face after the Draymond Green game-sealing turnover 😭 pic.twitter.com/UTjr9nYVPj
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 9, 2023
The Age-Defying Brilliance of LeBron James: Leading the Lakers to Victory in Game 6 and Beyond
LeBron James proved once again why he is still one of the best players in the NBA, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a series-clinching victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinal
. Despite being 38 years old and in his 20th NBA season, James delivered one of his signature performances, scoring 30 points on 10-for-14 shooting, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. His fingerprints were all over the game, as Lakers coach Darvin Ham noted.
James may not be the same player he was three years ago when the Lakers won the title, but he still has the ability to lead his team to victory and carry them to a series win with a special game. His record in games where his team can close out a series is 41-13, and in those games, he averages 28.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and shoots 49.3% from the field.
The victory over the Warriors marks a remarkable turnaround for the Lakers, who started the season 2-10 and were in 11th place with just 11 games remaining. They had to win a play-in game to make the playoffs and then knocked off the second-seeded Memphis in the first round. Against the Warriors, the Lakers relied on their sound defense, limiting Golden State to 37.9% shooting from the field and 27.1% from beyond the arc.
James had help, but he dictated the tone of the game with his aggressive offensive attack and his control of the game as it progressed. The Lakers now face the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals, and James will be looking to lead them to the NBA Finals and potentially win his fifth title. This may be his last, best chance to do so, and he knows it better than anyone.
Even as James ages and his game evolves, he still has the ability to produce at an All-NBA level, as evidenced by his recent selection to his 19th All-NBA team. He may have to pick his moments with more prudence, but when he does, he can still deliver remarkable performances and lead his team to victory.
