OKC Thunder: Five Things to Watch Tonight in Los Angeles

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4. How will the Thunder handle LA’s ball movement?

When these two teams matched up for the first time this season, Oklahoma City did a fantastic job limiting the Lakers from behind the arc. But that game was also the beginning of the most impressive defensive stretch of the season for OKC.

Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (15) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

In five games they gave up 96 to the Lakers, 83 to the Clippers, 122 to Golden State (disregard that), 92 to the Timberwolves and 85 to the Heat. The defensive rotations were incredible and it seemed like the team had fully bought into a defense-first identity.

Since then the defense has been awful. There has been a lack of communication from the starters and bench players alike; OKC has given up 100 points in all seven games since the Miami game. The help defense that made them so scary has faltered and teams are capitalizing in the increase in open opportunities.

In their first matchup, the Thunder forced the Lakers to shoot 7-32 from the three-point line. If Los Angeles is moving the ball and Oklahoma City isn’t communicating, the Thunder will get torched on defense. It’s going to start and end with constant communication between all five guys on the court if they expect to hold LA under 100 points again.

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