The Western Conference semifinal match between the Warriors and Lakers got off to a fast start, but the stylistic differences were immediately apparent. The Lakers retained a 26-point advantage in the paint, scoring 54 points to the Warriors’ 28 despite the Warriors dominating from beyond the arc, where they made 21 threes to the Lakers’ six. The free-throw line was where there was the most difference, though.
Marc Davis, Ed Malloy, and Nick Buchert, the officials, didn’t appear to favour the Warriors. They called 24 fouls on the Warriors, more than double the 12 fouls they called on the Lakers. As a result, the Lakers attempted 29 free throws and made 25, compared to the Warriors’ six attempts and five makes. In other words, the Lakers outscored the Warriors by 20 points while at the free-throw line.
The Warriors need to be more aggressive and attack the basket more, according to Andrew Wiggins, who converted both of his two free throw tries. In terms of free throw attempts made per game, the Lakers were in first place while the Warriors were in worst place. The roles were switched over in the opening round of the playoffs, though. The Lakers attempted 130 free throws in six games while the Warriors made 176 in seven.
Steve Kerr acknowledged the significance of the free-throw line and said that after adjusting during the series opener, they would have to do so again. The Warriors will need to figure out a way to play more forcefully and aggressively in order to attack and get to the foul line because playing catch-up from the charity stripe is not a smart strategy for winning.
Jarred Vanderbilt is a key component of the Lakers’ excellent interior defence. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Vanderbilt were three of the Lakers’ ten blockers in Game 1. Jordan Poole completed a four-point play for the Warriors with the opening free throw, but the first half had just 38 seconds remaining as Poole stepped up to the line.
The Lakers led by one point at halftime because to the Warriors’ paltry three free throw attempts in the second quarter, compared to the Lakers’ 13 total. The Warriors must confront the Lakers frequently in order to prevail.