If there were any doubts, the Oklahoma City Thunder have once again emerged as the top contender for the NBA championship. The defending champions have thus far had an impeccable postseason, sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round to set up a Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Thunder arrived at the series well-rested and opened it in dominant fashion, winning Game 1 108-90 as Chet Holmgren top-scored with 24 points en route to a double-double, which also saw him register 12 rebounds. However, Game 2 has thus far not gone particularly according to plan, and has resulted in the Thunder facing their first second-half deficit of the postseason thus far.
Despite a 27-23 first quarter, LeBron James and co. responded in spirited fashion to deliver a 35-30 second period, with OKC going into halftime with a one-point deficit. Austin Reaves, who had a disastrous Game 1 that saw him go 3-16 from the field to return with just eight points alongside six assists and five rebounds, led both teams in scoring with 16 points.
He has been supported by the likes of Rui Hachimura and LeBron himself, who had 14 and 10 points, respectively. The Lakers continue to be handicapped by the absence of Luka Doncic.
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However, in his absence, James continues to operate as the primary playmaker, and also had five assists and two rebounds, going 4-9 from the field. The Lakers managed to keep Shai-Gilgeous Alexander under reasonable control in the first half.
He had 13 points, but the Thunder continued to stay in the game with as many as four players already reaching double digits. They were Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell, who led his team with 15 points.
The Thunder have stuck to their guns and have relied on interior shots due to the sheer number of scorers they have. However, the Lakers have done much better from the three-point zone, which appears to be the difference between the two teams thus far.
They have gone a strong 47.4%(9-19) from beyond the arc thus far compared to the Thunder, who converted just six of their 27 attempts for a 27.3% efficiency.
If there were any doubts, the Oklahoma City Thunder have once again emerged as the top contender for the NBA championship. The defending champions have thus far had an impeccable postseason, sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round to set up a Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.