Oklahoma City Thunder Runs Away From L.A. in Game Four

The Thunder beat the Lakers 110-89 to even the series.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:41 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma City Thunder Runs Away From L.A. in Game Four

Originally Published: Apr 24, 2010 9:32 PM CDT

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Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City defeated Los Angeles 110-89 in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs to tie the best-of-seven series 2-2. L.A. made three more field goals than Oklahoma City, but the Thunder connected on 28 more free throws than the Lakers.

Kevin Durant had a game-high 22 points, while Russell Westbrook chipped in 18 points for the Thunder. Jeff Green and James Harden each finished with 15.

The Lakers held an 8-7 lead early in the first quarter but that slim margin would not last long.

Oklahoma City went on a 13-2 run in the opening period to go up 27-14. The Thunder found its stroke shooting 52.6 percent from the floor and took a 29-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. Westbrook hit all three of his field goals and tied Durant with a quarter-high eight points.

The Lakers, on the other hand, were cold connecting on just 8-of-22 (36 percent) field goals. Kobe Bryant did not attempt a shot in the first quarter; however, he hit a 3-pointer on his first shot in the second quarter.

The Thunder went on an 8-2 run in second quarter to take a 40-24 lead. The Lakers were able to cut their deficit to 11 points but would not get any closer before half.

Oklahoma City connected on all 19 of its free throws in the first half. The Thunder shot 42-of-48 (87.5 percent) from the charity stripe and hit on 41 percent of its field goals. The Lakers were just 17-of-28 (60.7 percent) from the free-throw line but shot 34-of-82 (41.5 percent) from the floor.

Oklahoma City used a 12-4 run midway through the third quarter to open up a 76-55 lead. Lakers forward Luke Walton received a technical foul with 28 seconds left in third quarter. Kevin Durant hit three straight free throws to push the Thunder’s lead to 23 points. Oklahoma City closed out the quarter on a 10-3 spurt.

The rout continued in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City went on a 13-4 run midway through the quarter to take a 104-76 advantage.

Andrew Bynum had 13 points for the Lakers.

Game 5 will take place at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in Los Angeles, while Game 6 will be back in Oklahoma City Friday. A time for Game 6 has yet to be announced.