Warriors-Lakers score: Golden State forces Game 6, but L.A. gets good news about Anthony Davis

Davis reportedly avoided a concussion after taking a shot to the head late in Game 5

The Golden State Warriors have avoided elimination for at least one more game, taking Game 5 from the Lakers, 121-106, at home to draw to within 3-2 in their second-round series. 

Not only did Los Angeles lose the game, but it may have also lost Anthony Davis, who left late in Game 5 after taking a shot to the head from Kevin Looney's forearm. Davis appeared too dizzy to walk on his own, and TNT reported that he left in a wheelchair. 

There was good news on that front shortly following the game. 

We will update that situation as information becomes available. With Game 6 scheduled for Friday, Davis' availability will be the biggest story of this series over the next two days.

Draymond Green (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Andrew Wiggins (25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) were fantastic for the Warriors. Green was aggressive as a scorer, and the Warriors played at a faster pace than the Lakers could keep up with all night. 

Stephen Curry struggled with his 3-point shot again, finishing 3 of 11 from deep, but he was again terrific with his all-around game as he got the rim, connected in the midrange and absorbed attention and found teammates for eight assists to go with his 27 points. 

LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points, followed by Davis with 23. They each had nine boards. But the Lakers were never really in this one after halftime, despite hanging just close enough to keep Golden State on alert. 

The Warriors, who remarkably have never lost a Western Conference playoff series under Steve Kerr, are now 8-2 in elimination playoff games since 2015. Their only losses were Game 7 in the 2016 Finals and Game 6 in the 2019 Finals. 

In other words, the champs are not going to lay down. Does that put the pressure back on the Lakers? In a sense. They're still in a better position than Golden State, but if this thing goes to Game 7, the Warriors are going to be riding some kind of momentum going back home. The Lakers don't intend to let it get that far, but Golden State has its blueprint of pulling Davis out of the paint with pick and roll and playing with pace. 

If Klay Thompson, who hasn't been able to find his shot for most of the series, and Curry heat up, Golden State is going to be tough. And if Davis doesn't play at all? Man. That's really tough. 

Let's hope the reports are accurate and A.D. can go. Taking a hit to head like that is serious business, first and foremost, and after that, everyone wants to see a full-strength conclusion to this great series. We'll see you for Game 6 on Friday. 

[May 11, 2023 at 12:24 am ET · Brad Botkin]

This one should just about be wrapped. Warriors up 14 with under 3 to play. 

[May 10, 2023 at 11:28 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

Good start to the second half for the Warriors

[May 10, 2023 at 11:55 pm ET · Brad Botkin]

LeBron looked like he tweaked that foot a little. Something to watch. Doubt it affects much