The Los Angeles Lakers return home down 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals after back-to-back 18-point defeats to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Speaking after Wednesday’s Game 2 at Paycom Center, forward LeBron James said the club must tighten up on the glass and limit giveaways to extend the series.
“Played well in spurts”
James, 41, noted the Lakers carried a five-point lead late in the third quarter before Oklahoma City seized control. “We played well in spurts,” he said. “We had a really good game plan and tried to execute it for 48 minutes; we just didn’t get it done.”
Turnover trouble persists
Through two games Los Angeles has committed 39 turnovers, converted into 46 Thunder points. While calling some mistakes acceptable byproducts of aggression, James acknowledged the team “has to be better” protecting the ball.
Second-chance points a priority
James placed greater emphasis on defensive rebounding. Oklahoma City has collected nine offensive boards in each contest yet turned them into critical second-chance baskets. “We have to clean the glass,” he said. “Against a team like that, you can’t give up second-chance points.”
Series shifts to Crypto.com Arena
The matchup now moves to Los Angeles for Game 3. Comebacks from 0-2 deficits are not uncommon in the NBA postseason, but the Lakers will attempt it without sidelined star Luka Doncic. Prior to Game 2, Doncic praised the roster for “stepping up” during his absence.
The Lakers and Thunder meet again Friday, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Source: LakersNation.com
