Lakers vs. Thunder, Game 3: Pregame Primer

vs.

LA Lakers (2-0, 0-0 road) vs. Okla. City Thunder (0-2, 0-0 home)

TV: TNT (Cox 31, HD 730)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 8:30 CDT

Series: Lakers lead 2-0

View from the enemy: Forum Blue and Gold

We know the breakdowns and the matchups. We know what works and what doesn’t. There’s nothing really new here. Kobe is good, the Lakers are big inside and OKC has to play better offense to win. But there’s a new thing thrown into the equation tonight: Us.

It’s time to make a difference. I don’t think there is any way to game plan for us. Phil Jackson said today he doesn’t think it could be any louder than it was when OKC stomped the Lakers here a few weeks ago. I beg to differ. I beg to differ a lot.

I have no idea what to expect tonight. I wondered last night if fans would stand for the majority of the game. Will anyone leave their seats? Will we be reserved, not really sure of ourselves and when to explode? Will we be loud from the outset or will we wait for a big run? I don’t know. But I’m so stinking stoked just thinking about it.

However, I think back to opening night where there was a real buzz. The arena was packed and ready to explode. But the team played poorly from the tip and I think part of that reason was because they felt the pressure of the evening. They knew how big it was and they wanted to perform. I almost fear that this homecourt edge could hurt these young Thunder players in a backwards way. I said I fear it, not that I think it will really happen.

Tip at 8:30 CDT. Go Loud City.