Despite the Lakers best efforts last night, OKC pulled away with a victory, beating L.A. by one basket. After a seven-point lead in the last two minutes, the night’s solid defense seemed to slip away, letting the Thunder creep up and take the win.
Neither team dominated the beginning of the game and Westbrook, who was a driving force behind the Thunder win on Monday, played mediocre. Maybe his Monday night press conference outfit threw off his swag. Regardless, both teams went back and forth for game dominance and the lead. At the end of the half, the Lakers fell behind 48-45.
The game intensity increased in the third quarter where the Lakers pulled away, ending the quarter 63-60. In the fourth quarter, the Thunder offense declined and the Lakers took advantage. Having a lead for most of the 4th, the Lakers defense picked up when their offense started to drop. With 3:16 left, the Lakers were up 73-68. In the end, the Lakers couldn’t cinch the win, and the Thunder caught up. With 18.6 seconds left in the game, OKC took the lead. A last minute 3 from Steve Blake didn’t score, and the Lakers lost by one basket.
For Game 3 the Lakers need to change a few things. For one, where did Ramon Sessions go? Still dazed from the Lakers’ uninspired play in Game 1 and the lack of Sessions, I was left with a sour taste in my mouth. Next, the turnovers have got to stop. Especially on fast breaks. Go for the easy lay-up, get the point. In a tight game during the playoffs, less showing off and more performing. And lastly, Lakers players need to share the ball. The entire team in Game 2 had only 11 assists. Teamwork is key in winning this series and an NBA Championship.
Kobe Bryant finished with 20 points (on 9-25 shooting), four assists, four steals, three rebounds, and two blocks. Andrew Bynum notched 20 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks while Pau Gasol had 14 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Metta World Peace added eight points, five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Jordan Hill had six points and Steve Blake had five points. Ramon Sessions had just two points and three rebounds as Matt Barnes was scoreless in ten minutes of play.
Lakers Nation News
Thunder Complete Comeback, Stun Lakers in Game 2
Kobe Bryant Believes Takes Charges is an Injury Risk
Bynum on Game 2 Loss: “We Like Giving Out Gifts”
James Harden Elbows Metta in Game 2
Metta World Peace Labeled “Lakers Idiot”
Andrew Bynum Laughing at the End of the Lakers Loss
Lakers News
Lakers Hand Game to Thunder, Struggle Late [Silver Screen and Roll]
Staples Officials Warn of Perfect Storm [OC Register]
The Breakdown: The Lakers Final Possession [Forum Blue and Gold]
Farmar Criticizes Lakers, or Did He? [Nets Daily]
Kobe Bryant’s Late Mistakes Cost Lakers Game 2 [Yahoo Sports]
NBA Floppers: Where Does Kobe Rank? [OC Register]
Stray Bullets: Game Two Heartbreak [Silver Screen and Roll]
Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher Share a Competitive Mindset [LA Times]
Ebanks, Bynum Fined [SB Nation]
More For the Lakers Drawing Board [ESPN]
Durant Rallies Thunder by Lakers with Defense and a Clutch Shot [Yahoo Sports]
Kobe for the Win? Unlikely Scenario [OC Register]
NBA News
Walter McCarty, Former Celtics Forward, Takes to Music [Yahoo Sports]
Staples Center Has a Busy Weekend [LA Times]
How to Create Your Own James Harden in 3 Easy Steps [SB Nation]
Karl Malone Should Have Finished His Career in #1 Points [SLC Dunk]
NBA Announces Members of the New Competition Committee [SI.com]
Physical Play Lessens NBA Playoff Excitement [NBA.com]
Parker vs Paul: No All Star Showdown So Far [Yahoo Sports]
Wade’s Foul on Collison Will Not Be Upgraded [CBS Sports]
Charlotte Bobcats Facebook Page Should Sit a Few Plays Out [SB Nation]
Tim Duncan Goes Old School on Clippers [Yahoo Sports]
Griffin’s One Dimensional Game Not Ready for Playoffs [NBA.com]
