(1) Lakers Vs. (8) Thunder

[Andrew]

Great effort by the Thunder, unfortunately for them they couldn't get those last two three point attempts to go down. They're giving the Lakers something to think about though, I'd still pick them to take at least one in Oklahoma City.

Free throws were about even again, 33-32 in favour of the Thunder. Individually, Kobe had 15 to Durant's 6.

[Phil89]

Serge Ibaka with 7 blocks

Really good effort, shame they couldn't send it into overtime. Hopefully they will be able to grab a win in front of their home fans.

[Lamrock]

Very good game. Thunder were lucky to have the Lakers brick a couple clutch FT's, but Durant and Green were unlucky to brick those 3's. Still looks like LA in 5 though.

[Fresh8]

I'm the only one who voted sweep. So I am now updating my expectations. Back to back double digit wins to close out the series in 4.

[Jackal]

They aren't close to dominating the Thunder though. Just saying...

[Andrew]

Indeed. I doubt the Thunder are about to throw in the towel before they've even played at home in the series.

[Jackal]

Exactly, for such an inexperienced playoff team, they sure do have composure. If Thabo was a bit offensively gifted and Jeff Green could hit a shot they'd be in a really good spot. Even without legitimate big men. Hot damn Ibaka, hot damn.

[Andrew]

Durant's got ten rebounds and the first half isn't even over yet.

[Phil89]

James Harden with 15 points, stepping up as Durant has been rather quiet offensively.
Westbrook showing his athleticism. That dunk early on was awesome, though the way he swung on the ring it could've ended up injured like Bogut.

[Andrew]

Durant's going to have to start knocking down some shots though. Kobe's looking for his shot and he's connecting from long range, the Thunder can ill-afford to spend the second half cutting into a double digit lead, they need to close the gap before Kobe goes on a tear the Lakers break the game wide open.

[Andrew]

This shaping up to be another great game.

[Phil89]

Durant defending Kobe really well

[Phil89]

Durant on fire. Westbrook with a massive three. 6 point lead with 2 min left.

[Andrew]

Down to two, Thunder ball after the timeout. Set for an exciting finish.

[Phil89]

Durant is such a good free throw shooter.

[Phil89]

That's going to give them such a confidence boost for game 4. I wouldn't be surprised if the level it at 2-2.

[Andrew]

Great game, great effort by the Thunder. If I were Scott Brooks, I'd be looking to put Durant on Kobe the rest of the series. You've got to be careful doing that as he's going to get foul calls and they need Durant on the floor, but he did a great job using his height and length to bother Kobe's shot and stay in front of him without fouling him once. It reminded me a little of what Tayshaun Prince did to Kobe back in the 2004 Finals, I'd definitely call on Durant to defend Kobe down the stretch again. Westbrook was also fantastic.

[Cartar]

This has been (and will be) by far the most interesting series in my opinion. I only saw the last 15 minutes (3 minutes from the 3Q), but Thunder was just great. Hopefully this will be a 7 game series (although Thunder taking it in 6 games would be better).

[Rip32]

Durant out-shot the Lakers 13-12 from the free throw line... Phil is not going to be pleased.

Westbrook is light-years better than Fisher at this point and it was apparent tonight. Fisher did shoot well form three, but defensively he's a step behind Westbrook and he's gotten his hand caught in the cookie jar a few times these first few games.

[Andrew]

Durant out-shot the Lakers 13-12 from the free throw line... Phil is not going to be pleased.

I'd say not and I'm sure he'll weather another fine over it, but that was the Lakers' own doing. They were taking a lot of jumpers, particularly Kobe trying to fire away over Durant in the fourth, while the Thunder were taking it to the basket.

Nevertheless, the Free Throw Watch: Thunder 34-12; Durant 13, Kobe 0.

[Phil89]

Durant out-shot the Lakers 13-12 from the free throw line... Phil is not going to be pleased.

Haha, when I first read that I thought you meant me

I don't see what the big deal is with Durant getting free throws. He is a very good free throw shooter, so why not take advantage?

[Lamrock]

Bet some fool $5 that the Lakers would win the series, then bet my friend a dollar that OKC would take game 3. Raking in the dough on this series.

[shadowgrin]

So Durant wasn't giving out preseason b.s. when he said that he worked on his defense during offseason.

The Thunder should continue abusing the match-up of Westbrook against Fisher.

[benji]

The Thunder should continue abusing the match-up of Westbrook against Fisher.

Which team with a halfway decent point guard would this not apply to?

[hova-]

Great game, great effort by the Thunder. If I were Scott Brooks, I'd be looking to put Durant on Kobe the rest of the series. You've got to be careful doing that as he's going to get foul calls and they need Durant on the floor, but he did a great job using his height and length to bother Kobe's shot and stay in front of him without fouling him once. It reminded me a little of what Tayshaun Prince did to Kobe back in the 2004 Finals, I'd definitely call on Durant to defend Kobe down the stretch again. Westbrook was also fantastic.

As you mentioned it's a bit risky, but I'd do it when it counts most, too. Sefolosha is a great wing defender, I think he can guard the drive way better than Durant. But on these post up moves by Kobe, it's really nice to have a long, agile KD on him. Still, very risky. Foul trouble is so costly in Playoffs. In my opinion Dallas lost their last game because Dirk sat almost the entire 1st quarter after two early silly fouls. He could not find his shot after that and ended up like 5-17.

I knew the Thunder could at least steal one, but honestly, I think they can also grab the 2nd game in OKC. The Lakers are simply not dominating like they did last playoffs in the 1st round.