Poole’s Big Fourth Quarter Not Enough as Warriors Lose to Lakers

Despite a valiant effort from their defense, the Dubs could not overcome a rough shooting night, losing to the Lakers 109-103 on Saturday. The Warriors were either winning or tied for three of four quarters, but a 34-26 Lakers advantage in the third quarter was the difference.

Defensively, the Dubs got 11 steals and scored 21 points off 16 Laker turnovers. Before Saturday's game, the Warriors had a 90.9 winning percentage when holding opponents under 115 points, the best in the NBA. After allowing just 109 points tonight, the Dubs now have a 20-3 record when opponents score less than 115.

The Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak, as Dennis Schroder led the way with 26 points on 7-for-12 shooting, 3 -for-4 from 3-point range. Jordan Poole scored a game-high 29 points, and six Warriors scored double-digit points. The Dubs shared the wealth with 31 assists compared to 19 for the Lakers.

Jordan Poole scored the first 17 points for the Dubs in the fourth quarter showcasing his versatile offensive skill set. Poole shot 6-for-11 in the final frame hitting deep threes, mid-range jumpers, and finishing at the rim. No other Warrior scored 17 points throughout the game, let alone in a quarter. Poole recorded his fifth career quarter with 17-plus points.

Neither team shot the ball well; both teams shot 32 percent or lower from three. The difference was that the Warriors attempted 44 threes, only hitting those at a 27 percent clip. Headed into the game, Klay Thompson had made 19 total 3-pointers in consecutive games, the most he's ever had in two-straight games. However, Thompson shot just 5-for-21 and 3-for-13 from 3-point range, cooling off after a scorching hot stretch. Despite a great overall game, Jordan Poole shot just 3-for-10 from three.

Despite the loss, Draymond Green had a plus-minus rating of +10 — one of two Warriors with a positive plus-minus and the only Warrior in double-digits. He had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists while also grabbing seven rebounds. Green was only credited for one block but was extremely active at the rim, altering shots at the basket. He was also very aggressive offensively. After eight consecutive combined misses by both teams to open the game, Draymond Green scored the first basket, hitting a 3-pointer. In the third quarter, Green faked like he was going to swing the ball to Jordan Poole and set a ball screen but instead exploded to the basket, finished, and drew contact for the three-point play. Green flexed after the play and maintained that intensity throughout the contest.

Led by Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, the Dubs were effective in neutralizing Anthony Davis, who was the Lakers’ primary star in LeBron's absence. Davis shot just 5-for-19 from the field and went without a three-pointer. Davis also had just one assist, with the Warriors ultimately limiting his offensive effectiveness. Davis, however, did have a strong game defensively with 16 rebounds and three blocks, including a pair of denials late in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers more than doubled the Warriors' free throw attempts tonight 26-12. The Warriors attempt the least free throws per game in the NBA, while the Lakers attempt the third most. The Dubs hit 11 of their 12 attempts, but were still outscored by 10 from the charity stripe.

The Dubs remain at home, hosting the Washington Wizards on Monday night (7 p.m.; NBCSBA) before traveling to Los Angeles for a Tuesday night showdown with the Clippers (7 p.m.; TNT) in the team’s final game before the All-Star break.