The Thunder have fell victim to losing close games as of late. This team competes on a nightly basis has been a breath of fresh air for the fans and the organization. Coming into tonight the Thunder were 5-9 on the season and they’ve played extremely well as a unit. This was the second time the Thunder were playing the Lakers in this week. The Thunder lost to the Lakers on Tuesday but saw some bright spots from Dennis Schröder as he led the way in that game. Tonight the Thunder showed a lot of heart against the Lakers and they were able to fight back in this one. The Thunder had six players in double figures tonight led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 24 points. Shai was special tonight and was able to get to the basket with ease especially when the Laker bigs came out the game. Shai has been able to create his shot and he’s been able to create offense from others. You know that you’re making big moves when LeBron James gives you compliments and that’s what happened postgame tonight. When Shai has the chance to get it going and when he has the green light he makes the best IQ play at that moment. Shai had Danny Green draped all over him on defense tonight and was able to get loose to help bring them back from 15 points.
Steven Adams was able to get his offense going tonight as he finished with 22 points on the night. Adams was able to dominate in the paint against Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee all night. This was exactly what the Thunder needed to see from Adams especially with the late scratch from Nerlens Noel (illness). When Steven Adams plays like this with the addition of the other Thunder players stepping up in a high scoring game anything is possible with this team. Adams was able to get his jump hook and layups going on the pick and roll tonight. Chris Paul has started off slow in games but when he gets it going he finishes strong. Chris Paul has been the leader of this team and has been able to use his passing/scoring to keep the Thunder in these games. Chris Paul finished the game with 18 points on the night and was able to get it going in the 4th quarter. It was pretty impressive to see Chris Paul guarding LeBron James to end the game as well. Chris Paul and LeBron James both know each other moves on the court. When Paul was guarding James he was able to get him away from the rim. One thing that’s unstoppable even if LeBron is away from the rim is his passing ability. James made some unbelievable plays down the stretch to get Anthony Davis open.
The difference in this game was the fact that the Lakers had some playmakers down the stretch and the Thunder just didn’t execute. LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 56 points on (18/39) shooting from the field. LeBron James put everyone on notice tonight that he’s still the best player in the game and he showed off some OBJ type skills right before the half. When LeBron actually puts his mind to it he can do anything he wants on the court. LeBron was able to get to the basket at ease and the only time he let people off the hook is if he would shoot. LeBron can score on any play either by foul or just making the shot but it’s been his IQ that stands out no matter the situation. Anthony Davis was able to get anything he wanted tonight in OKC because of his length and willingness to shoot the ball at a high level. Anthony Davis has been a thorn in the Thunder’s side since coming in the league and that didn’t change with the “Purple & Gold”.
The game was tight down the stretch as it was between 3 points for the end. The Thunder were making two points at a time and kept sending Anthony Davis to the line and he was able to deliver for the Lakers. The Lakers had 6 players in double figures as well but were able to execute with the free throws down and secure the victory. The Thunder played this game as well as anyone can against the Lakers but just wasn’t able to execute with a short amount of time on the last possession of the game.
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