South Bay Lakers Extend Winning Streak with Dominant Victory

Rookie Adou Thiero shines as Lakers defeat Santa Cruz Warriors

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The South Bay Lakers continued their impressive run, extending their winning streak to nine games with a 113-104 victory over the Santa Cruz Warriors. Rookie forward Adou Thiero led the way for the Lakers, making 10 of his 12 shot attempts and going a perfect 5-for-5 from 3-point range. The Lakers' stifling defense held the Warriors to just 41.3% shooting from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc, leading to a 33-point advantage in fast-break scoring.

Why it matters

The South Bay Lakers' strong performance showcases the depth of talent in the G League, with young players like Adou Thiero and Bronny James demonstrating their potential. The Lakers' ability to win on the road against a tough opponent like the Santa Cruz Warriors also highlights their status as a top contender in the Western Conference.

The details

The Lakers fell behind by seven points in the first quarter but quickly erased the deficit, outscoring the Warriors 43-27 in the second quarter to take control of the game. They led by as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter and held on for the 113-104 victory. The Lakers' defense was the key, limiting the Warriors to poor shooting percentages and generating 33 fast-break points off of just 10 turnovers.

  • The Lakers defeated the Warriors 131-110 on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Lakers and Warriors faced off again on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Adou Thiero

A rookie forward for the South Bay Lakers who had a standout performance, making 10 of his 12 shot attempts and going 5-for-5 from 3-point range.

Nick Smith Jr.

A guard for the South Bay Lakers who came off the bench to contribute 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Bronny James

The son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny James played 25 minutes for the South Bay Lakers, scoring 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 3-of-5 from 3-point range.

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What’s next

The South Bay Lakers will look to continue their winning streak as they remain in the hunt for the top spot in the G League's Western Conference, currently trailing the Mexico City Capitanes by half a game.

The takeaway

The South Bay Lakers' dominant performance, led by the impressive play of rookie Adou Thiero, showcases the depth of talent in the G League and the Lakers' status as a top contender in the Western Conference. The team's stifling defense and efficient offense have been key to their success, and they will look to maintain their momentum as they chase the division lead.