APRIL 24| SAT |ROUND 1, GAME 4 | (1) Lakers vs. (8) Thunder: LAL Lead Series 2-1
Oklahoma City, thanks to their crowd, responded in a critical home game for them. Now its the Lakers’ turn.
Follow: TwitterCast: @LakersNation |Watch On: KCal 9 & ESPN @ 6:30 PT/9:30 ET | Radio: 710AM ESPN, 1330AM ESPN Deportes
Here are the keys for the Lakers to pull out a win.
KEYS FOR THE GAME:
Controlling the Tempo
The Lakers will look to get more open-floor points to gain a cushion on the Thunder. In Game 2, they only scored 6 fastbreak points. However, Oklahoma didn’t much of a better job, only +5 in that area.
L.A. should be able to control the game, as they did in Game 1. Using the halfcourt to their advantage and limiting the Thunder’s opportunities to get going offensively.
Twin Tower Dominance
As said before, the Twin Towers are the key for the Lakers in this series. Bryant doesn’t have to look dominate. Oklahoma may be a young and athletic team, but essentially, their frontcourt is too small to compete successfully against the two 7-footers. Pau & Drew will need dominate on defense if shots aren’t falling for them.
Silencing the Thunder
The Ford Center will be roaring tonight, for this will be their first home game in the postseason since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City. The Lakers will have to keep the crowd out of the game in order to establish their dominance over the young–but– tough team. Their continual pressure defensively is great way to keep this team cold as Artest’s “No Buckets” motto has been very visible.
Offense Efficiency
Lamar Odom
PROJECTED STARTERS:
LAKERS:
(C) A. Bynum
(PF) P. Gasol
(SF) R. Artest
(SG) K. Bryant
(PG) D. Fisher
X-Factor: Lamar Odom and bench play.
THUNDER:
(C) N. Kristic
(PF) J. Green
(SF) K. Durant
(SG) S. Sefolosha
(PG) R. Westbrook
X-Factor: Russell Westrbook