Thunder at Lakers: Game 3 Pregame Primer

vs.

Los Angeles Lakers (4-5, 3-1 home) vs. OKC Thunder (6-0, 2-0 road)

TV: ESPN (Cox 29, HD 720)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 9:30 CT

Thunder lead series 2-0

View from the enemy: Forum Blue and Gold

There’s a whole lot at stake tonight. Win, and the series is essentially sealed in the Thunder’s favor. Lose, and the door is open again for the Lakers. The Thunder have played one splendid game and one bad one. I’m not sure if they play an in-between one if that’ll be good enough. The Lakers are desperate, wounded dog that’s looking to bite. And the Thunder better be ready for it.

Game 2 was certainly a deflating loss for the Lakers, but it at least proved that they can hang with Oklahoma City. If they execute a proper game plan, keep the pace in their favor and pray that Russell Westbrook doesn’t dominate, they can stay close. It’s not a bad gameplan, really. One that can succeed.

The Thunder just have to execute the plan. Play their game, let their superior talent and ability do the work and they can go up 3-0 and grab this series by the throat. For all intents and purposes, this is Game 4 and the Thunder are on the verge of closing. Because a win tonight and the Lakers find themselves back against the wall on the second night of a back-to-back against a team they know they can’t beat.

But a Game 3 win and things even out a bit. A Game 3 win for the Lakers and the door cracks, if only a little.

Tip at 9:30 CT. Go Thunder.