LA Lakers Out-Duel OKC Thunder in Double OT, Metta "Not-So" World Peace

The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a double-digit fourth quarter deficit to beat the Thunder, 114-106, in double overtime. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points on Sunday for the Lakers, who were down by 17 at one point in the fourth quarter before mounting an unbelievable comeback. A Clipper loss tonight locks up the Pacific Division for the Lakers.

Bryant had six points in the second OT while Pau Gasol finished with 20 points, 14 boards and nine assists.  The comeback came behind a lineup of Steve Blake, Kobe Bryant, Devin Ebanks, Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill. Props to Coach Mike Brown for making the necessary in-game adjustments to turn things around; Jordan Hill, who scored 14 points, was a big difference maker, specifically on pick and roll defense, where his help and recover was much quicker than Andrew Bynum's.

Key statistic to tonight's game? The Lakers had 25 offensive rebounds against the Thunder's 14. Offensive rebounds from Gasol, Hill and Ebanks were the only reason the Lakers were even able to stay in this game early on. Ebanks and Hill did not even have plays drawn up for them, they were active on the glass, getting the ball back and creating opportunities.

Kevin Durant scored 35 points for the Thunder, who fell one game behind San Antonio for the top spot in the West. Serge Ibaka added 18 points and 14 rebounds and seven blocks while Russell Westbrook chipped in 14 points and 10 assists.

Okay, now let's get to the "fun'" part of today's game.

Who saw that elbow by Metta World Peace on James Harden?

After finishing on a transition dunk over Ibaka to put Los Angeles up 48-47, Metta began beating his chest as a celebration. As he turned to head back to defense, he very unnecessarily swung his left elbow and hit the neck and head of Harden, who didn't see it coming while waiting for an inbounds pass.

The incident took place in a matter of seconds, but left Harden on the floor for more than a few minutes. Fortunately, no stretcher was needed on the spot, and he was able to walk to the locker room unassisted.

"I got real emotional," World Peace said after the game (via nba.com). "It was unfortunate that James got hit. I hope he's OK. It was an unintentional elbow."

In my honest opinion, I don't think Metta has any recollection of that moment. It was almost as if he blacked out after the dunk, lost control of himself/his emotions and reverted to his past ways. We'll find out the consequences of his actions tomorrow. Kevin Love was suspended only two games for stepping on Luis Scola's face earlier this season; we can expect Metta to face a harsher punishment due to his reputation.

James Harden has been involved in his share of trash talking this season, even in the previous games against the Lakers. I doubt he does much more of that if the two teams face off in the playoffs.