Thunder Snap Lakers’ 3-Game Winning Streak; 108-101
- Updated: March 1, 2015
(Photo via @NBAcom)
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon, 108-101. A balanced effort by a star-less Thunder team propelled them to the win.
The Los Angeles Lakers looked to extend their winning streak to four against the Oklahoma City Thunder, after an impressive win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Russell Westbrook was ruled out of today’s game due to a fracture he suffered in his right cheek. His Thunder co-star, Kevin Durant was out for the 6th straight game due to a second surgical procedure on his foot.
As for the Lakers, Nick Young missed his 3rd straight game as he continues to battle swelling and soreness in the knee.
Right from tip, the Thunder jumped to a 10-4 start – thanks to two three-point baskets by Andre Roberson. Halfway through the quarter, the Thunder built a nine-point lead, 18-9. The Lakers failed to get anything going offensively, resulting in a 28-19 deficit after the 1st quarter. The Lakers battled in the 2nd quarter, ignited by the second unit’s stellar play. The Lakers tied the game at 43 at the four-minute mark, off a Wes Johnson three-point basket. But a late run by the Thunder gave them an eight-point advantage over the Lakers at the half, 56-48.
The Thunder picked up where they left off in the 3rd quarter, pushing their lead to 13 in the first three minutes. The Lakers battled, but failed to make consistent defensive stops to pull closer – only to find themselves down by 12 entering the 4th quarter, 84-72. The Lakers battled yet again in the 4th quarter, but could not prevent the hot shooting of the Thunder. The Lakers’ winning streak would end at three as they fell to the Thunder, 108-101.
The Lakers shot 44% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. Jeremy Lin led the Lakers off the bench with 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Jordan Hill posted his 18th double-double of the season, with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Six Lakers scored in double figures, a common statistic during their brief winning streak.
D.J. Augustin led the Thunder, in the absence of Russell Westbrook, with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. The Thunder frontcourt of Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter dominated the paint, combining for 34 points and 29 rebounds.
The Lakers fall to a 16-42 record on the season as they travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets on Tuesday night, 4PM PST.
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