Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Preview: Thunder look to get back to winning ways in LA

By Yams

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder lays on the court before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder lays on the court before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
OKC Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 24: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Jordan Clarkson (6) drives the lane while OKC Thunder Forward Andre Roberson (21) plays defense on February 24, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Keys to Success

Have a solid first quarter defensively

Over the last three games the Thunder have lost all of their first quarters. But that’s not the problem.

The problem is the defense has been about as porous as a darn sieve. They gave up 38 points to both Milwaukee and Toronto, 35 to Dallas. The Thunder tend to be very good in the first quarter but that hasn’t shown recently.

While they did end up beating Toronto by 17, they lost to both the Bucks and the Mavs in games that should’ve been won. Come out with increased intensity in the first quarter so that the Lakers have no hopes of winning this game.

Stay focused

The Thunder, for all their talent, have lost games against some of the worst teams in the NBA. It may be pessimistic of me to believe that a team sitting at the #5 spot in the West could very well lose against a lottery team, but there is precedent. They have managed to experience some of the most head-scratching losses against bottom feeders.

Next: Isolating the three games that changed the Thunder's season

The Thunder can beat the likes of the Warriors, Rockets, Raptors, Spurs, and Timberwolves but can’t seem to get around teams like the Nets, Magic, Mavericks, and Kings. It’s simply not good enough. You can’t have that, especially when you intend on contending for a championship.

It’s painful and it’s annoying for all of Thunder Nation. As long as they focus on winning there should be no reason why they lose this game.

Take advantage of injuries

The Lakers have four injured players, three of which are starters. Lonzo Ball and Brook Lopez are out for tonight. Kyle Kuzma might play, but until further notice, his status is unknown.

The Lakers have been far from good this season and this simply does not help their cause. Therefore, the Thunder should take advantage of that and play to the best of their abilities.

Home/Thunder News