The Golden State Warriors are heading into a must-win Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers as the Lakers lead 2-1 and play Game 4 at home.
Shams Charania revealed that Gary Payton II has been inserted into the starting lineup for Game 4, an adjustment Steve Kerr would’ve hoped caught the Lakers off-guard until Shams’ reported it. Steve Kerr reacted to the same in his pre-game media talk.
“Shams is in the lineup-sharing business. We have a special correspondent within our organization who shares information with him, apparently.”
"It's ok, Shams is in the lineup sharing business."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed @ShamsCharania's report on Gary Payton II starting against the Lakers in Game 4 – although he typically doesn't speak on who he will start pregame.
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— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 9, 2023
The change to bring Payton into the starting lineup will allow the Warriors to push the defensive pace. GPII is going to play as the starting small forward, as the Warriors have gone for a small lineup with Andrew Wiggins at power forward and Draymond Green at center. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson remain the starting backcourt for the squad. This is an interesting adjustment and we’ll have to see how it pays off as the game goes on.
Can The Warriors Take Homecourt Back?
Game 4 may be the most crucial game of the series for both teams, as either will feel like losing this game will put them on the back foot. If the Lakers lose, the 2-2 series will give the Warriors homecourt advantage and it could spell doom for the Lakers through the final three games. If the Warriors lose, they’ll have to pull off a 3-1 comeback, something this team is familiar with.
Steve Kerr believes this game isn’t a must-win. Either that’s a lie to disarm the Lakers and make them think the Warriors aren’t taking it as seriously, or the Warriors would rather attempt a 3-1 comeback over the final three games of the series.
Winning at the Crypto.com arena isn’t easy, as the Lakers have won every playoff game at home by an average of nearly 20 points so far. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will need to lock in to protect their homecourt against the deadly Warriors.
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