Former Miami Hurricane Lonnie Walker IV Torches Warriors, LA Defeats Golden State
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 104-101 in a game where stars shined.
Not all of those stars were the ones that NBA basketball fans would think about. One player, a former Miami Hurricane, was big-time when it truly meant the most.
It was his night; it was a fourth quarter owned by Lonnie Walker IV.
Yes, superstars like Lebron James – with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists – and Stephen Curry – with 31 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds – were spectacular as usual.
They did steal the show all by themselves, however.
Walker went for 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in helping the Lakers knock off the Warriors. Without Walker’s efforts, Golden State probably would have won last night.
Also of importance, it’s how Walker's play elevated the Lakers past the Warriors that grabbed the attention of anyone watching the game. He was clutch, dominant even, during that fourth quarter when the Lakers needed him the most.
Check out Walker’s fourth quarter efforts, play by play.
11:45
- With a deep 3-point bomb that splashed home, Walker cut into the seven point lead the Warriors had previously held. After the make, Los Angeles 84 and Golden State 80.
9:30
- Walker’s steal from
Andrew Wiggins
and subsequent hoop tied the ball game at 84 each.
8:27
- With a 12-foot jump shot made by Walker, the Warriors went up 88-86.
7:53
- Walker drills a shot just inside the 3-point line, notching the score at 90.
5:15
- Walker pulled down a defensive rebound.
3:42
- With a floater in the lane that was good, Walker’s bucket once again tied the score. This time, it was 96 a piece.
1:53
- Off of an assist from James, Walker hits a shot from about 15 feet. Warriors 100 and Lakers 99.
:15
- Walker rebounds a deep 3-point miss from Curry. The score was Golden State 102 and Los Angeles 101.
:15
- After being fouled, Walker calmly knocked down two free throws to provide a more comfortable lead for the Warriors over the Lakers, 104-101.
Walker and his Los Angeles teammates held the always offensively dangerous Warriors to not getting off a shot during the final moments, as Draymond Green threw away a pass, and even another chance with 1.1 seconds remaining did not result in any serious scoring chance.
The following tweet by the Lakers Twitter account showcased how respected Walker was for his efforts. Watch him as his fellow Lakers congratulated him:
Goodnight, Lakers fam. pic.twitter.com/GQqohbNJA3
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 9, 2023
Walker finished the fourth quarter with all of his 15 points, plus four of his made fourth quarter baskets either tied the game or gave the Lakers the lead.
Clutch? That was Walker, and it was his night; his fourth quarter.
The Lakers now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the defending champions.
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