(1) Lakers Vs. (8) Thunder

[NovU]

After 10-0 start, I thought the experienced LAL was going to take control of this game, but they impressed me again. Even in in OKC's 2 losses, I was surprised to see how they keep their poise and make a run when they're down like that, especially with young guys as a core, thought they'd be self destructive.

Great win and great team OKC is. Grats to Bulls and OKC for their win, now only if miserable Heat can pull one like this...

[shadowgrin]

Even in in OKC's 2 losses, I was surprised to see how they keep their poise and make a run when they're down like that, especially with young guys as a core, thought they'd be self destructive

What made you think that? That young core got to 50 wins in the regular season in a conference where all the playoff teams have 50 wins or greater.

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?

A Dunleavy coached Clippers?
Blazers?

[hova-]

Ah well, Miller pretty much shits on McMillan, so he'd burn Fisher I guess.

[NovU]

What made you think that? That young core got to 50 wins in the regular season in a conference where all the playoff teams have 50 wins or greater.

Given that they are young and lacking experience especially of the playoffs. Plus, the fact that they're up against the defending Champion on away games.

I still hate the team for being not in Seattle, but can't hate the players I guess.

[shadowgrin]

Experience is somewhat overrated during the playoffs. If a young team is good enough to win 50 games in a tough conference but somehow ended up as the eight seed, I think it's safe to say that they have the composure to play any team whether it be the defending champions.

[Murat]

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.

James Harden plays that how should he play. Durantula looks stopped, why?

[Jackal]

Kobe shot them right out of that game. He's still not mature enough to realize when he's not got it going on. Atrocious shot selections when they needed him most. He's had this problem in the past, hoisting up shots which make you go OMG he made it when he does...but when he misses you're like wtf were you thinking?

The perimeter guys of LA have to get the bigs the ball. OKC is fronting LA's bigmen really well and the perimeter guys get impatient and hoist up a perimeter shot, that just cant be the game-plan. Odom needs to wake the fuck up and show he's an all round player instead of being made out to look like a chump against Ibaka. (Hot damn Ibaka, again!) Gasol is such a skilled big man, he's a finesse player and I don't usually like finesse big men...but when you see the skill on this guy, you cant not love him. Such skill for such length, amazing.

What an atmosphere in OKC, this young group just won't go away as a basketball fan it's a delight watching them play. As a Laker fan you cant enjoy it too much, they just dont give up damn it.

Ron Artests defense is giving me a hardon everytime I watch him. Artest played like this once during the season against Anthony, once. That he's done it in three games now...just wow. He's lost a lot of weight since the all star break too so big props to Ronnie.

[dare]

Agreed with Jackal, Kobe kill the Lakers especially in the 4th where he was matched by Durant. Of course the fans want to see two superstars played one on one but Kobe needs to understand that it's better to get the team win than the individual win.

I have no complaints against Artest, very good job on Durant. The team defense of LA needs to improve.

[Andrew]

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.

At the same time though, you've got to trust Durant to stay out of foul trouble and give him that opportunity. If Kobe's going to settle for jumpers then Durant's the guy I want defending him because his length was making it all the more difficult for Kobe, who's nursing a broken finger and settling for some bad attempts on top of that. If he's going to the basket he's going to draw more fouls if nothing else, so you certainly do want Sefolosha sharing the assignment with Durant. You also don't want to run Durant too ragged guarding Kobe from start to finish as you need his firepower at the other end, so perhaps you save Durant on Kobe for the fourth quarter, with a few stretches during the first three.

[Phil89]

Great first quarter, 29-17. Considering how poorly they have started in the first 3 games of the series. How they only narrowly lost the first 2 and won game 3 after those poor starts. Things are looking good tonight.

Harden and Ibaka are making names for themselves in this series.

[Lamrock]

Yeah, Thunder are looking legit in this series. This could go to 7 if they hang on here!

[SpaceFlare]

Thunder looking great right now. Hopefully they can keep the double digit lead coming into halftime.

[Phil89]

James Harden is stepping up in this series. 4 point play

[Phil89]

Durant gets all the calls Mr Jackson? Kobe just complained like a little girl to the ref and got the decision changed.

Thunder lead by 13 at the half. They need to start getting more defensive stops again in the second half if they want to protect their lead.

[Phil89]

20 point lead now. Defending Champs?

[shadowgrin]

Since you were the only one present and multiple posting in this thread a while back....

The EDIT button. It is your friend.

[Breine524]

and now 21.. wooh!

Thunder can get one win (maybe in their home), but i think that's it. Lakers will win game 4, so as game 5 (which they must to avoid a lower chance of winning in game 6 at oklahoma). well, let's see.. i hope artest will limit durant.

just a bump on my previous prediction.. i think it will be 7 game series.

[Lean]

I'm a happy guy today.

[Phil89]

Since you were the only one present and multiple posting in this thread a while back....

The EDIT button. It is your friend.

Your concern has been noted.

Thunder win by 21. Series tied 2-2. Suddenly the Lakers don't look so invincible.
Who would of thought that we'd see Ollie, Mullens and Thomas get a run out in the Playoffs against the Lakers? (With 5 minutes left in the fourth)
Obviously winning in LA is a hugely different challenge to winning in front of a pumped up home crowd at the Ford Center.

[dare]

I'm just waiting for game 5

[atlwarrior]

ok Laker fans can panic now.

[Lamrock]

What the fuck was that?

[Rip32]

Start Adam Morrison

[Valor]

Holy shit....wtf is happening to the Lakers

[Lean]

There is hope after all.