On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder continue their NBA Conference Semifinal battle at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, in downtown Oklahoma City. Tip off is scheduled at 9:30 PM.
The young Thunder Team proved too much to handle for the Lakers in Game 1 with Oklahoma romping to a 116-90 victory.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 52 Thunder points. Meanwhile, James Harden chipped-in 17 points. Interestingly, no other Oklahoma player scored in double-figures and no one had double-digit rebounds or assists.
A glaring stat is Thunder's four turnovers. For a team that averaged an NBA-worst 16.3 turnovers per game during the regular season, they sure took care of the ball in Game 1.
Meanwhile, the Lakers were successful in the shaded lane through the early goings. But the Thunder built a 15-point halftime lead then opened the third quarter with a 15-2 run by raining down 3-pointers and highlight dunks and cruised the rest of the way.
For Wednesday's Game 2, Laker-fans are looking for another big bounce-back. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum showed that they can quickly turn things around. Remember, the Lakers also got clobbered in Game 6 of their First Round matchup against the Nuggets but convincingly won the decisive Game 7.
The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Thunder as the favorite to beat the Lakers. If Oklahoma continues with their fast-paced attack, the Lakers may be in for another whooping.
But if the Lakers can clamp down on either Westbrook or Durant, the perennial Western Conference powerhouse may head back home to Staples Center with the homecourt advantage.
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