The Lakers’ second-round seriesagainst the Thunderis shifting away from Paycom Center, which is widely considered one of the loudest arenas in the NBA.
That could be good news for the team’s role players.
Against theThunder’s deep roster, the Lakers need everyone to make a positive contribution.
One major advantage the Thunder have had this series?
In Game 1, the Thunder’s reserves outscored the Lakers’ bench, 34-15. In Game 2, that advantage ballooned to 48-24.
The Thunder, quite simply, have more players who are playing well than the Lakers, which makes all the difference in the playoffs.
The Lakers have actually done a good job limiting reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all postseason scorers in the first round of the playoffs with 33.7 points a game. This series he’s averaging just 20 points.
But unfortunately for the Lakers, trying to limit the Thunder has been like playing Whac-A-Mole at an arcade. In Game 1, Chet Holmgren led the team with 24 points and 12 rebounds. In Game 2, Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell each had 20 or more points.
Meanwhile, for the Lakers, nearly everyone not named LeBron James has struggled offensively at various points this series.
Austin Reaves went from scoring eight points in Game 1 to finishing with a game-high 31 points on 10-for-16 shooting in Game 2.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
