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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers vs Warriors play-in game certainly lived up to its hype as we saw a thrilling back-and-forth competition between the two teams for four full quarters. Although the game was low scoring, this match-up had everything.

From some rugged defending from both the teams, to a massive comeback and continuous lead changes, this game was certainly one of the best games of the year.

Arguably the biggest shot of the evening though was a three pointer hit by Lakers’ talisman LeBron James. With 1:05 remaining on the game clock, the Lakers had the possession. Bron initially passed it to Kentavious Caldwell Pope but the Warriors instantly double teamed KCP.

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Seeing the defense doubling down on him, the 28-year-old kicked it to LeBron James. With the shot clock running out, the 4-time MVP received the pass and ultimately shot the ball with Steph Curry closing in on him.

The 34-foot jumper went in giving a three point lead to the Lakers. This was also the difference maker in the game as no one could hit a shot in the final minute of the game, ultimately leading to a 103-100 Lakers victory.

Steph Curry reacts to LeBron James’ Game winner in Lakers vs Warriors Play-In

Steph Curry had a fantastic game against the Lakers yesterday scoring 37 points against the champions. Despite his amazing display, ‘The King‘ had yet another trick upon his sleeve as he clinched the game with the three pointer.

After their close loss at the hands of the Lakers, Curry reacted to LBJ’s game winner and explained what he initially expected when James took the shot. “Great shot, broken play. I sunk in thinking you know he was kind of out of play and they found him and he got his balance just in time and knocked it down. So you know that’s it.”

“That was a tough one because you don’t really expect it to go in, you expect us to get the rebound, coming out of transition of a possession to take the lead but you know, everything changed when it goes in. You know, all the time great players make great shots with what happens no different tonight, but the tough one.”

This wasn’t the first game-winning shot that Curry has conceded against LeBron James. Back in 2016, Kyrie Irving had hit arguably the biggest three pointers in NBA history, which led to a game 7 victory for the Cavs.

When asked about whether he had seen such a game winner before, Curry recalled that Kyrie shot.“Well, I’ve seen it before. Five years ago, I know what it’s like. So this one I was a little further away, so I feel too bad about it.”

What next for the Warriors and the Lakers?

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With their latest victory against the Warriors, the Lakers have clinched the seventh seed of the Western Conference and will go up against the young Phoenix Suns who were arguably one of the consistent teams in the NBA regular season.

Despite their seeding, the Lakers have the necessary star power and experience in the playoffs while key players in the Suns lineup are making their first appearance in the playoffs. Given the form, the depth and the experience they have, the Lakers are favorites in their upcoming series against the Suns.

USA Today via Reuters

The Warriors might have lost the play-in game but will get yet another opportunity to make it to the playoffs. They will battle the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth spot of the Conference and given how challenging they were to the defending champions yesterday and given the electrifying form that Steph Curry is in right now, the Warriors surely have an edge in this lineup.

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Do you think the Warriors will make it though to the playoffs? Will we see a Lakers and Warriors rematch in the playoffs?