Below is a running diary of the Lakers’ matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with comments drawn from Mike Trudell’s @LakersReporter Twitter account, to ensure you’re covered from start to finish.
First Quarter
It’s been a good start for LAL, with a transition dunk from @Larrydn22, plus five Lou Williams FT’s helping make it 11-8 against OKC.
Russell Westbrook is not slow … his transition layup was OKC’s 6th straight FG make, allowing a 19-15 lead for the visitors.
Jordan Clarkson drained a half court buzzer-beater to close the 1st Q, off glass, cutting OKC’s lead to 32-28. He had 7 in the quarter.
Second Quarter
D’Angelo Russell is done for the night. Lakers will keep him out due to the ankle sprain.
Kobe drained back-to-back deep shots (one a 3, one being reviewed) upon returning in the 2nd Q, cutting the OKC lead to 1 at 39-38.
Kobe put a nice crossover on Nick Collison after Durant got switched off him, and drained a fading jumper. All tied at 43 w/6:16 in the 2nd.
LAL caught a break as Westbrook went for a huge tomahawk and missed the dunk off the back rim; Clarkson answered w/a 2. 54-50, OKC.
Third Quarter
The crosscourt pass in transition from Kobe was slick … he has 5 assists in 20 minutes, plus 13 points (6 of 12 FG’s) and 3 boards.
LAL’s starters have erased OKC’s 7-point lead at HT to take a 70-69 lead behind a block on one end and FT’s on the other from Nance, Jr.
Durant pulled up for another triple to answer a tough 2 from Clarkson in the paint, reaching 22 points, putting OKC up 90-85 after 3.
Bass putting in work #GoLakers Tune in @TWCSportsNet | @TWCDeportes | @ESPNNBA https://t.co/iSeiBjISdZ
Fourth Quarter
Lou Williams is scoring in all types of ways, getting 2 layups to fall, then a 3, then a fading 2. With his 30 points, he has LAL within 4.
Westbrook drained a 3 … but there was Lou Williams yet again, getting loose in the corner for his 5th triple. LAL up 102-101.
Lou Williams has 17 of LAL’s 19 4th Q points, scoring at the rim to make it 104-101 with 4:18 to play. He’s up to a career-high 38 points.
After Clarkson’s steal … you’re not going to be surprised … Lou Williams drew a foul taking a 3. He’s 15 for 15 at the line, has 44 points.
Game over. OKC 117, LAL 113. Westbrook hit both FT’s (36 points) to seal the game. “Still a great night!” says Steve.
