Lakers vs. Thunder Game 5: Los Angeles' Experience Must Pay Dividends vs. OKC
The Lakers have blown two sizable fourth-quarter leads against the Thunder in their Western Conference semifinal series. If the Lakers want to win Game 5, they must use their experience to their advantage.
Los Angeles blew a nine-point lead in Game 4 and a seven-point lead in Game 2. Both were in the fourth quarter and inexcusable.
If they want to beat the talented Thunder squad, the Lakers must let their veterans take over, and their veterans must play like veterans.
Let's take a look at how that can happen.
Kobe Bryant Free Throws
Bryant's free throws did not hinder the Lakers, but he didn't take enough of them.
Bryant shot 14 free throws in the first three quarters of Game 4, but failed to repeat his success in the fourth quarter. He relied on his jumper, didn't find open teammates and failed to use what was working.
He must be smarter than this.
Bryant knows the strengths of the Thunder and their lack of experience. He needs to pressure their defense, get to the hole and force a foul if necessary.
Bryant's failure to get to the line is a mistake an inexperienced player would make, not a 15-year NBA veteran.
Granted, Bryant's iconic status sets the bar higher for him than for any other player. That doesn't excuse the failure to recognize winning ingredients down the stretch, in a pivotal game.
Rebound and Defend
The Lakers were outscored by 12 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4. This was due to poor rebounding and transition defense.
Los Angeles' aging nucleus has seen teams of every style and tendency over their professional careers. Their failure to recognize Oklahoma City's fast-break tendencies is inexcusable, especially in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers' shot poor shots did not earn second-chance opportunities and gave up easy fast breaks because of it.
Los Angeles cannot get into a track meet with the younger, faster Thunder. They must play sound on the glass and take good shots, minimizing long rebounds.
If the Lakers cannot do this they stand no chance at winning Game 5.
