Lakers vs. Thunder: Oklahoma City Has Series Under Control Despite Loss

Oklahoma City, despite losing Game 3, has complete control of its series with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Here are three reasons why.

Mismatches

Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and James Harden are a cast of characters that can create their own shot off the dribble. Oklahoma City can get where they want on the floor, and there isn't much Los Angeles can do about it.

They can run pick-and-rolls with Andrew Bynum forced to hedge and help, they can create and kick-out to open three-point shooters and they can score by penetrating the lane.

Los Angeles is known for being unable to defend prolific players, and Oklahoma City has three.

Advantage Thunder.

Game 4 gives edge to Thunder

Oklahoma City has the edge in Game 4 for multiple reasons. First, the Lakers were expected to take Game 3 in a must-win situation with the Black Mamba leading the charge.

Given the mismatches and overall talent for Oklahoma City, the better team will win more often than not.

The Thunder were 21-12 on the road in 2011-12, which was one of the best road records in the NBA. When most teams struggled away from home in a shortened season, Oklahoma City thrived.

Finally, the biggest reason why Oklahoma City is destined to steal Game 4 is the fact that the teams are playing a back-to-back.

Los Angeles' core aside from Bynum has seen hundreds of games played, so they are more likely to be tired down the stretch.

Oklahoma City's core is in their early 20s. This back-to-back situation will only help the Thunder in this situation.

Los Angeles got to the free-throw line 42 times on Friday night. They made 41. However, when your legs are tired, and you are going against players who are fresher, you should expect to see more jump shots as a result.

If the Thunder can stay away from fouling the jump-shooter, Los Angeles will see a severe decrease in its free-throw disparity.

Oklahoma City is ready for the passing of the torch

We have seen this happen in many sports, including basketball. One team is on the downside of its championship years and another is exploding into theirs.

Los Angeles will hand over the torch to a new breed when this series comes to an end. Oklahoma City is ready to take that next step in its journey towards an NBA Finals trip, and Los Angeles is standing in the way.

It's time for a new team to be the face of the Western Conference.