Lakers vs. Thunder: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Grades
There was no passing of dynastic torches between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night—only outright ripping of it by the latter from the former's cool, dying hands.
The young Thunder outgunned the aging Lakers, 100-85, thereby extending OKC's best-in-the-West record to 27-7 heading into the NBA All-Star Break and dropping L.A.'s mark to 20-14, including a 6-12 tally on the road.
Tweets of the Night
What'd one All-Star say to the other All-Star? Just ask Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell:
"Kevin Durant just came over to whisper something to Kobe. Kobe nodded, smiled. Guess: "Hit me up in Orlando."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 24, 2012"
Leave it to The Bill Walton Trip to put Lakers-Thunder into...er...perspective?
"Durant & Westbrook AKA He-Man & Skeletor can become Masters of the Universe (and the West) by cutting the head off the vicious Black Mamba.
— The Bill Walton Trip (@NotBillWalton) February 24, 2012"
Even hip-hop recording artist Pharoahe Monch is in awe of the Durantula's uncanny ability to put the ball in the basket:
"Durant makes 3 pointers look like finger rolls
— Pharoahe Monch (@pharoahemonch) February 24, 2012"
(Insert obligatory quip about Russell Westbrook shooting the ball here), right Bleacher Report columnist Gabe Zaldivar?
"If Russell Westbrook and JR Smith played together, would the ball ever get passed?
— Gabe Zaldivar(@gabezal) February 24, 2012"
Must-See Highlight
The Thunder ended the first half with a five-point spurt to go into the locker room with a 46-43 lead, thanks to this steal and jumper by Kevin Durant with 0.8 seconds left on the clock:
This shot proved to be something of an early dagger, as the Thunder didn't trail once in the second half.
Grades for Key Lakers Players
Kobe Bryant: C+
For the second night in a row, Kobe Bryant looked old, slow and tired, though even more so relative to the young legs of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. The Black Mamba finished the game with 24 points on a forgettable 7-of-24 shooting, with six rebounds and three assists.
What's more, Kobe seemed to expend more time and energy jawing and joking with the opposition than carrying his teammates back from their double-digit, second-half deficit.
Andrew Bynum: C-
Bynum was practically invisible during the 35 minutes he spent on the floor on Thursday night. The first-time All-Star scored just 14 points on a woeful 5-of-15 shooting, though at least he pulled down 12 rebounds and blocked two shots.
Still, the Lakers needed him to play like the best center in the West, even against a superb post defender like Kendrick Perkins.
Not like a guy whose mind is already in Orlando.
Grades for Key Thunder Players
Kevin Durant: A-
The Lakers simply had no answer for the Durantula on defense. Durant abused Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes all night, to the tune of 33 points to go with four rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block.
Russell Westbrook: B
Westbrook was surprisingly passive against the Lakers, considering he was being guarded by older, slower defenders all night.
Even so, Westy's line on the night—19 points, six assists and five rebounds—was still solid, showing off the skills and athleticism that earned him a trip to Florida this weekend.
Deciding Factor: Youth (and Everything That Comes With It)
The Lakers did well to control tempo for most of the game, but it wasn't enough to keep a younger, fresher Thunder team from taking control in the end. It was "game over" once OKC started getting out and running off turnovers and missed shots.
Well, that and diving after loose balls, playing strong defense and generally outworking L.A. on just about every possession.
Stat of the Night: 16
That's how many points James Harden scored off the OKC bench, compared to just 10 for all of L.A.'s reserves.
You read that right: Harden outscored the entire Lakers bench all by his lonesome.
Game MVP: Durant
If Durant keeps playing this way and the Thunder keep winning, he won't just take home the Game MVP or even the team MVP.
He'll be hoisting the Maurice Podoloff Trophy at season's end.
What's Next?
Both teams will resume play on Wednesday after All-Star Weekend, with the Lakers returning home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Thunder traveling east to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
