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Thunder vs Lakers: Game 2 Preview of the second round

Thunder vs Lakers: Game 2 Preview of the second round

Oklahoma City Thunder – Los Angeles Lakers: the scheduled demolition at Paycom Center

Oklahoma Citys dominance is beyond dispute after the opener. The defending champions are already in control at 1-0, playing with a slickness that borders on the smug. The Lakers, meanwhile, look flat and badly short of answers, relying on isolated bursts from stars who cant patch over the cracks around them. The gulf in quality is writing the script here. Reddick has a nightmare on his hands.

Oklahoma City Thunder: the machine keeps humming

Williams absence hasnt slowed the Thunder one bit. The system is still churning out almost 120 points a night without breaking stride. The perimeter shooters are operating in total comfort, punishing every late closeout. The pace Oklahoma City sets is brutal, and it keeps jamming up the opposition until the turnovers start piling up.

Inside, Hartenstein and Holmgren are shutting down the paint and making easy looks impossible. Out on the wings, Dort and Wallace are smothering ball handlers possession after possession. That level of coordination has helped hold opponents to 108 points a night. This Oklahoma City team looks built to flatten people.

Los Angeles Lakers: the veterans are sinking

The overachievement seen against Houston already feels like a different season. Against the Thunder, the reality is harsher. LeBron James is doing his part, but his brilliance is disappearing into a team effort that isnt holding up. The rest of the group is slipping badly. Reaves sums up the mess with a shocking shooting night, hitting just three of 16 attempts.

The Lakers back line has no real answer to the Thunder defense. Vanderbilt being in doubt only makes a bad situation worse. LeBron, wearing down, becomes a target in transition and retreat defense. Oklahoma Citys speed is exposing the visitors’ lack of athletic resources in painful fashion. A miracle looks a long way off for a team falling apart at the first serious punch.

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NBA prediction Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers

Oklahoma City Thunder win 

The home side wont be in the mood to let this drift. The champions want this series wrapped up quickly so they can bank the rest theyll need later on. Oklahoma Citys superiority should show from the opening tip, with relentless aggression at both ends. LeBron James is likely to find himself stranded without reliable support against a hungry defensive swarm. The Lakers lack of structure should leave the scoreboard looking ugly.

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Author

  • Clément Bichon

    As a sports business student, I aspire to gain more experience in the sector. I am curious, sociable, and above all passionate about sports!


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