Vitals: Lakers at Thunder Game Three

Down 2-0, the Oklahoma City Thunder return home looking to even up the score.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:40 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Apr 21, 2010 2:51 PM CDT

David Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers at No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder
Western Conference Quarterfinals
Lakers lead series, 2-0

Thursday, April 22, 2010, 8:30 p.m. CDT
Ford Center, Oklahoma City
Game 3 of 7

Anticipated Starting Lineups (Postseason Statistics)

	Los Angeles (Away)	Oklahoma City (Home)
PG	Derek Fisher 8.0 PPG, 3.5 APG	Russell Westbrook 21.0 PPG, 5.5 APG
SG	Kobe Bryant 30.0 PPG, 2.0 Stl	Thabo Sefolosha 4.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG
SF	Ron Artest 6.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG	Kevin Durant 28.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG
PF	Pau Gasol 22.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG	Jeff Green 11.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG
C	Andrew Bynum 9.5 PPG, 11 RPG	Nenad Krstic 9.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG

Injuries
Los Angeles: G Sasha Vujacic (ankle, out).
Oklahoma City: None Reported.

Where to find it?
On TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma, TNT
On Radio: Thunder Radio Network

What you need to know?
After a disappointing start in game two, Kobe Bryant reignited his game to the tune of “M-V-P” chants at the Staples Center. In the first half, Bryant shot 6-for-16 and the Thunder enjoyed a two-point halftime lead. But he turned it on like only he can and ended with 39 points, thanks in large part to 13 second-half free throw attempts. Derek Fisher fouled out of the game late, capping a disappointing five-point effort on the night. Overall, game two was not a strong shooting night for Los Angeles, shooting 37.5 percent from the field.

A scrappy effort by the Thunder and pinpoint shooting by Kevin Durant (32 points) elicited some pained moans from the Lakers fans in attendance, but it was ultimately not enough. What killed the Thunder more than anything, might have been the final 24 possessions of the game, as detailed by Henry Abbott of TrueHoop. The Thunder only converted one field goal in that span – a Jeff Green leaner – and gave up 10 fouls to the defending champs. Conversely, the Lakers gave up only three fouls in that span, which is sure to enflame the long-held notion that Los Angeles gets the calls in its home arena.

Who to watch?
Though it wasn’t a bad look, Durant’s failed three-point attempt for the win has to be put out of sight quickly. He was cucumber-cool throughout most of the contest and was the best player on the court. Also, Serge Ibaka proved a formidable inside presence in game two, blocking seven shots.

A gaggle of skilled Lakers – Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum and Fisher – combined for 20 points on 9-of-38 shooting (23.7 percent). The win gained some breathing room for the club, but those players will be counted on for more production in the offense. Bryant is banged up and, MVP or not, needs help.