Story Created:
Nov 22, 2009 at 2:16 PM CST
Story Updated:
Nov 23, 2009 at 10:36 AM CST
Some would suggest it is the ultimate NBA test. I'm referring to facing the healthy defending NBA champion Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. That is the challenge at hand for the 7-6 Thunder tonight.
OKC can count quality victories over the likes of San Antonio, Detroit, Orlando, Miami and Washington among it's impressive team accomplishments this season. And coming off of their highest scoring game as a franchise since residing in Seattle in 2001, Friday's 127 point explosion and 19 point triumph over the Wizards, the Thunder enter la-la land on a high! They've won three of four on the road and remember took the mighty Lakers to overtime November 3rd before succumbing by three points at the Ford Center.
L.A. got two-time All-Star power forward
Pau Gasol back from a season long absence due to a hamstring strain in Thursday's 108-93 blow-out of Chicago. Pau was outstanding with 24 points and 13 rebounds in that triumph. The Los Angeles victory improved it's record to 9-3, 7-2 at home.
Kobe Bryant (averaging an NBA high 30.2ppg), Pau,
Andrew Bynum (19.4ppg, 11.4rpg),
Ron Artest (12.0ppg, 5.0rpg), and
Derek Fisher (6.3ppg, 3.2apg) comprise a magnificent Lakers starting five.
Lamar Odom (10.0ppg, 8.8rpg), Shannon Brown (6.1ppg) and
Jordan Farmar (5.5ppg, 2.8apg) are the primary subs called upon by head coach Phil Jackson. This team is BIG, talented and playing extremely well right now.
How do the Thunder go about hanging in with them tonight? The game plan is similar one laid out in the first encounter with L.A. Rebound and run! Oklahoma City out-rebounded the bigger Lakers by one in the first meeting, but was able to generate only 16 fast break points. It must score more frequently in attack mode in the open floor and in it's early offensive sets to give itself a chance to spring the upset.
Making a living against a set Los Angeles half court defense is virtually impossible because of it's sheer size and length.
Thabo Sefolosha will make
Kobe Bryant work for and earn his points tonight. That's becoming a given every time Thabo squares off with a player the caliber of Kobe. And L.A. area natives
Russell Westbrook (16.6ppg, 7.2apg),
James Harden (24.5ppg on 10-13 three point shooting over the last two games) and
Kevin Ollie (16 assists and only 3 turnovers this season) are itching to perform before family and friends on the Staples Center hardwood tonight.
This is a classic clash of the young, up and comers versus the 'been there, done that' defending league title holders. It should be fun to watch!
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