It might be too soon to say that a trend has developed, but what the Lakers have been doing the last two games seems to be working. The Lakers upset the #1 team in the NBA Sunday afternoon, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-96.
Kobe Bryant had his 2nd consecutive game of dishing out 14 assist. Kobe nearly reached a triple double in the game, scoring 21 points and 9 rebounds to add to his assist total. The Lakers shared the ball the beautifully, combining for 29 assist on 41 made baskets. The Lakers shot an efficient 55% from the field.
The Lakers biggest issue all season long has been on the defensive end, but, the Lakers were active on the defensive end against the Thunder. The Lakers held the NBA highest scoring team, Thunder, to 96 points, 9 points below their season average, and just 44% shooting from the field. Kevin Durant got his points, 35, but was stifled by the Lakers defense, shooting a lackluster 10 for 26 from the field. Russell Westbrook had difficulties as well against the Lakers defense, scoring 17 points on a horrid 6 for 22 shooting. This is a vast contrast to their last match up on January 11th, where Durant and Westbrook combined for 69 points on 26 for 46 shooting.
The Lakers won their 2nd game in a row, but first win against one of the elite teams in the league. This wins give the Lakers a glimmer of hope that they can turn around their disastrous season and quite possibly make a serious run in the playoffs. The Lakers still have some work to do as they are currently in the 10th spot, 4 full games behind the 8th and final spot in the playoffs.
The Lakers’ next game is against the New Orleans Hornets at StaplesCenter.
– Fern Rea @fullcourtfern
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