Revenge time – OKC Thunder host Los Angeles Lakers: preview

The OKC Thunder host the Los Angeles Lakers just days after losing to them in LA. Is revenge in the cards? Gameday preview breaks down the match.

In a game that had so many plots and subplots, it is a shame that a referee decision had such an impact on the game. When OKC Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari was called for a travel, when he clearly did not lift his pivot foot, the die was set at the end of the game.

This mistake cost momentum and gave the ball back to the Los Angeles Lakers at a crucial time toward the end of the game. I will not say this was the reason the Thunder lost but it was costly.

As was the quickfire shot from Dennis Schroder at the end of the first half. There was enough time after the miss for the Lakers to run the floor and score, which they did. Then there were the 20 points off turnovers in the first half alone. The refereeing did not help the OKC Thunder, they also did not help themselves.

Anthony Davis had a tremendous game with 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. LeBron James finally collected a triple-double against the OKC Thunder for the full 30 team collection. He had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Terrance Ferguson did a good job cutting off his attack on the basket. He also helped forced seven turnovers. The surprise of the night was Deonte Burton coming off the bench in the fourth quarter and doing a tremendous defensive job on James. Hopefully, this means Burton gets more playing time in the next game.