Lakers fall behind 3-0 as Thunder surge past them in second half
lakers-fall-behind-3-0-as-thunder-surge-past-them-in-second-half
The Los Angeles Lakers again faded after halftime, losing 131-108 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 and slipping into a 0-3 hole in their best-of-seven series.
The Thunder outscored the Lakers 33-20 in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena, repeating a pattern that has defined each matchup so far. Oklahoma City has now taken every third-quarter segment by double digits.
Guard Ajay Mitchell paced the Thunder with 24 points and 10 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 23 points and nine assists, continuing a steady series that has not required a signature explosion.
“We knew we had to adjust and be better,” Mitchell said about the post-halftime push.
LeBron James acknowledged the recurring issue for Los Angeles. “We had moments in the first half that were really good for us,” he told reporters. “In the third quarter, we didn’t knock down shots and allowed them to take us out of the game.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed the frustration. “Third straight game we’re right there—still lost those minutes,” he said.
No NBA team has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit, leaving the Lakers needing four consecutive victories to keep their season alive.
Source: Hoops Wire
