Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves pointed to turnovers as the team’s primary concern as it prepares for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers surrendered 20 turnovers that became 28 Thunder points in Game 2 on May 7, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The miscues contributed to a loss that left Los Angeles trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
“It just starts with the turnovers,” Reaves said after the game. “You’re not gonna be perfect, you’re gonna have turnovers, but we have to eliminate the live-ball turnovers where they get easy fast-break layups, threes or dunks.”
Reaves noted that Oklahoma City ranks “basically top five in all defensive stats” while placing 23rd or 24th in fouls committed per game, crediting the Thunder’s ability to generate deflections and steals without sending opponents to the free-throw line.
Frustration over officiating was evident from Reaves, LeBron James and head coach JJ Redick, yet Reaves acknowledged that ball security—not foul calls—decided the outcome. “We had 20 turnovers for 28 points. It’s hard to win games like that,” he said.
The series shifts to Crypto.com Arena for Game 3, where the Lakers aim to tighten their offense and avoid a 3-0 deficit. A low-turnover performance would increase possessions and shot attempts in front of a home crowd.
Emotions flared late in Game 2 when Reaves exchanged words with an official, an incident he attributed to the high-stakes environment and perceived missed calls.
Tipoff for Game 3 is set for Saturday in Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
