Coming into Game 3 down 0-2, All-Star center Andrew Bynum believes the Los Angeles Lakers have figured out how to defend the Oklahoma City Thunder. After an impressive Game 2 performance in which the Lakers fell short in the closing minutes, 77-75, Los Angeles may have discovered some of the Thunder’s weaknesses and will look to expose that in Game 3 on Friday night at the Staples Center.
In Game 1 of this second-round playoff series, the Lakers were dominated from tipoff to the final buzzer. With a 29-point loss in which the Thunder were able to get out to leads as much as 35 points, Oklahoma City was without a doubt the better all-around squad. With speed and a lot of rest, the Thunder were ready for the fatigued Lakers and were able to take 1-0 series lead with relative ease.
Fortunately, the Lakers were able to play much better in Game 2 and Bynum seems convinced that they now know how to beat this team moving forward via Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times:
“I don’t think we have many pieces to pick up,” center Andrew Bynum said. “We know exactly how to defend them now and offensively making them pay for just being over-aggressive.”
With Bynum opening his mouth every chance he gets with the media around, the up-and-coming center tends to say things that give opposing teams a leg up. This time around, even though it may motivate the Thunder somewhat, Bynum may have a point as the Lakers playing well in Game 2 with the right defensive game plan.
With that being said, the Lakers may have very well figured out how to contain the Thunder moving forward. Hopefully, for the sake of the Lakers staying alive in the NBA playoffs, the outspoken center is right on the money.
