Lakers vs. Thunder Game 2: What LA Must Do to Steal a Win in Oklahoma City

The Los Angeles Lakers still have whiplash after watching the Oklahoma City Thunder run all over them in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series on Sunday. There is no rest for the wicked in the NBA Playoffs, and the Lakers must find a way to steal a win in Game 2 to make this a series. 

What happened on Sunday night is not likely an indication of what is to come. The Thunder could very well win this series, but not all of these games will be 29-point blowouts. But the Lakers do have to fix a lot of problems in order to keep up with the Thunder in Game 2 and the rest of the series. 

Here are the keys to a Lakers victory in Oklahoma City in Game 2 on Wednesday night. 

Don't Let the Thunder Get out in Transition

The biggest problem the Lakers will face in this series is trying to contain the speed and athleticism of the Thunder. They are a team built on older stars or players who aren't very athletic—basically, the exact opposite of Oklahoma City. 

When the Thunder are able to get out in transition, they are lethal. The Lakers were outscored 20-0 in transition points in Game 1. That is unacceptable on both counts, and it is imperative that the Lakers make sure they always have a body close to the ball on every defensive possession. 

Nothing that happens in this game is going to be as important as what happens in transition. If the Thunder are able to push the ball up the floor in a hurry, it is going to be a long game. 

Dictate the Pace of the Game

In keeping with the theme previously established, the Lakers are going to have to control the speed at which Game 2 gets played. If they are trying to match Oklahoma City point for point, this game will be over before it starts. 

For a team like the Lakers, a slow, methodical pace is going to make all the difference in the world. That sounds like a boring game for people to watch, but as long as the Lakers are establishing their identity on offense and defense, they will make it work. 

Don't push the ball up the floor and take a shot just for the sake of taking a shot. Set up the offense, let Kobe Bryant get in isolation and then drive to the basket before deciding what he wants to do with the ball. 

This has to feel like a game the Lakers are in control of, because they were so far out of it in Game 1 they never had a chance to win. 

Contain Russell Westbrook

Kevin Durant is Oklahoma City's best player, but in this series, Russell Westbrook is going to determine the outcome. If he is scoring 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting with nine assists and seven rebounds every game, look out. 

Westbrook took advantage of Bryant and Metta World Peace in Game 1. He exploited their age and lack of stamina, particularly in the third quarter, when the roof got blown off. 

The Lakers are going to make some adjustments defensively, but until we see someone on the roster who can contain Westbrook for 48 minutes, you have to anticipate him having another big game. 

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