OKC Thunder face Lakers for round two – preview

Key matchup:

In the first meeting between these clubs, the Thunder fell behind by 26 points before making a historic franchise-setting comeback to win the match. Notably, the Lakers superstar LeBron James didn’t participate in that game and will likely suit up this time.

Former beloved son Russell Westbrook delivered the quadruple-double (hobble) with 20 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 10 turnovers. Anthony Davis offered 30 points and eight assists.

From the home side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up his breakout shooting night versus the Warriors with 27 points (including five 3-pointers), nine rebounds, and five assists. SGA was masterful in the latter portion of this game hitting dagger shots every time the Lakers tried to quell their comeback.

This match also served up Josh Giddey‘s first career double-double of 18 points and 10 assists. In fact, every starter (plus Isaiah Roby) registered double-digit scoring. Yet the unsung hero of the win versus LA was arguably Derrick Favors who was tasked with guarding Davis but also brought a measure of calm to the court particularly during clutch time.

As for the key matchups, the three-headed monster of LeBron, AD, and Westbrook is the most obvious. Making the situation more difficult is the fact Luguentz Dort missed the last game with a shoulder injury and might not be available. If Lu the Beast can’t go it sure adds pressure to the Thunder on who replaces his defense both in terms of individual assignments as well as team schemes.

Also of note, keep an eye on Westbrook and Bazley who finished the last game in each other’s faces because Russ wasn’t happy Baz opted to drive in for the basket and dunk instead of running out the clock.