OKC Thunder: 3 keys to seize victory versus Lakers in rematch
OKC Thunder key no. 3: Reserve unit needs to be productive
This is an identical key note Intentions made for the Monday match and warrants repeating.
In the first game, the Thunder were limited to eight players which meant they had only three reserves to call upon. That trio featured Kenrich Williams, Darius Miller, and Justin Jackson.
Williams is more of a glue guy who delivers whatever is needed but he’s so unselfish he rarely calls his own number. He collected seven points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in the first match.
Jackson stepped up in the initial match scoring more than his typical output (14) but Miller went scoreless.
While the Lakers had many more players available they used that depth to their advantage. Montrezl Harrell equaled the entire output of the Thunder reserves with 21 points. Kyle Kuzma delivered a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds while Wes Matthews scored 16 and Talen Horton-Tucker chipped in with eight points.
Overall the differential was huge for the Lakers with their reserves outscoring the Thunder 56-21.
If the Thunder can offset that margin they’ll give themselves a shot of winning.
For further insight into the overtime loss check out Shontelle Matano’s three takeaways.