As Adou Thiero was standing in front of the scorer’s table at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City early in the second quarter of theLakers’ Game 2 loss to the Thunder, a familiar face followed Thiero’s path with a message.
Luka Doncic, the team’s star player who’s been sidelined since April 2 because of a strained left hamstring, made the walk from his seat on the Lakers’ bench to the scorer’s table before putting his arm to Thiero.
Doncic was there to give the Lakers rookie pieces of advice before getting his first opportunity of being in the Lakers’ playoff rotation afterJarred Vanderbilt suffered an open right pinky dislocation, opening up playing time.
“He just told me to go out there and play hard, just do what I do and don’t overthink anything,” Thiero said of Doncic’s message. “Just kept it simple and trying to lighten the pressure on me.”
During a loss that didn’t provide many bright spots for the Lakers, outside ofAustin Reaves bouncing backfrom arough Game 1 to kick off the series, Thiero provided what the coaching staff was looking for.
He had three rebounds in his six-minute shift in the quarter.
All of the areas the Thunder have had the edge over the Lakers entering Monday’s Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena.
“High energy and physicality,” coach JJ Redick said of what’s expected of Thiero. “Thought he played well.”
The good impression led to more playing time for Thiero inSaturday’s Game 3 loss.
Thiero had a team-high eight rebounds in 13 minutes – five defensive rebounds and three offensive boards – and four points.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
