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The Warriors produced one of the NBA season’s most dramatic comebacks Friday night, erasing a 25-point deficit before defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 in San Francisco. Stephen Curry led the charge with 31 points, while Golden State used a remarkable second-quarter surge to completely change the direction of the game.
Golden State became the first team in the past 30 seasons to trail by at least 25 points and still win by 17 or more. The victory also moved the Warriors to 3-3 after they opened the season with three consecutive losses.
Warriors Complete a Historic 25-Point Comeback
The Lakers appeared firmly in control early. Luka Doncic scored 21 points and added five assists in the opening quarter, powering Los Angeles to a 38-15 lead. The star guard was responding to the buildup surrounding his latest matchup with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who had criticized Doncic after their previous meeting.
Doncic stayed quiet publicly, but his performance on the court immediately set the tone. He even silenced the home crowd after Lakers fans directed “Luka sucks” chants toward him.
Los Angeles added to its advantage early in the second quarter, reaching a 25-point cushion. However, the game changed rapidly once Doncic left the floor. Golden State’s reserve unit began attacking, hitting outside shots and forcing the Lakers into difficult possessions.
- Golden State outscored Los Angeles 38-15 in the second quarter.
- Georges Niang and De’Anthony Melton combined for 27 bench points.
- The Warriors erased a 23-point first-quarter deficit by halftime.
- Golden State became the first team in the shot-clock era to overcome that first-quarter margin and lead or tie at halftime.
Stephen Curry Delivers a Stunning Signature Moment
Curry supplied eight points during a late second-quarter push, knocking down a deep three-pointer and converting a difficult layup. He also created open looks for Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford, helping the Warriors complete their extraordinary turnaround before halftime.
The 18-year veteran continued to dominate after the break, scoring eight points in the third quarter and nine more in the fourth. He finished with 31 points and now has 75 points across his past two games, signaling a powerful return to form.
The defining play arrived with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter. Golden State repeatedly targeted Doncic in defensive switches, eventually creating an isolation matchup between the Lakers star and Curry on the left wing.
Curry used a quick series of dribble moves that caused Doncic to lose his balance and fall to the court. Curry briefly paused, looked toward him, and then calmly buried a three-pointer. He celebrated by grabbing his face as the home crowd erupted.
After the game, Curry told the Amazon Prime postgame crew that he “didn’t expect it to get that nasty.” The play quickly became the night’s signature highlight and captured the confidence behind Golden State’s comeback.
Podziemski Steps Up as Lendeborg Struggles
Brandin Podziemski delivered an important supporting performance with 21 points and six assists. His energy helped stabilize the Warriors during the comeback, while the bench provided the shooting spark that shifted momentum away from Los Angeles.
Lendeborg, however, endured a difficult night. After drawing attention during his early-season matchup with Doncic, the rookie committed two quick fouls and struggled to remain aggressive. He finished with six points, six fouls and five turnovers.
Lendeborg described the performance as the “worst game of my life” and acknowledged that he tends to dwell on poor outings. Curry offered public support, emphasizing that the rookie is learning under intense scrutiny and will be needed again soon.
“It’s all about the theme of him learning trial by fire,” Curry said. “It’s a tough demand, but I think he’s built for it.”
What Comes Next for Golden State?
The Warriors’ comeback gives the team valuable momentum after its rough 0-3 start. Their ability to recover from a huge early deficit also highlighted the importance of depth, three-point shooting and Curry’s late-game creativity.
Steve Kerr noted that large leads can disappear quickly in today’s NBA because of the pace of play and the volume of three-point attempts. Golden State will now try to extend its winning streak Sunday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
For the Lakers, the loss was a painful reminder that even a dominant opening quarter may not be enough against an experienced opponent. Doncic finished with 37 points and a plus-9 rating, but Los Angeles could not maintain its control once its star left the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large was the Warriors’ comeback?
Golden State overcame a 25-point deficit before winning by 17 points, 112-95. The result was the first such comeback in the past 30 NBA seasons.
How many points did Stephen Curry score?
Stephen Curry scored 31 points, including 17 after halftime. He has scored 75 points over his past two games.
Who led the Lakers in scoring?
Luka Doncic led all Lakers players with 37 points and also finished with a plus-9 rating.
What happened to Yaxel Lendeborg?
The Warriors rookie struggled after early foul trouble. He finished with six points, six fouls and five turnovers.
Who do the Warriors play next?
Golden State puts its winning streak on the line Sunday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
