OKC’s Loss to the Lakers Shouldn’t Diminish Playoff Hopes

[{"selector":"#anim-aa0227eb-7302-4349-b866-a79015a70030","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-43d14875-8d30-4dea-a232-e77a7da6a6cf","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-116.25%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6e864485-b4d9-451a-83ce-a72359efb90c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cbbb9255-9aa7-4380-b81c-949ebbe74af9","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-116.25%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The Oklahoma City Thunder played one of its worst games of the season against the Los Angeles Lakers, who are in the running for the playoffs. However, there should be no more questions about its ability to keep winning.

[{"selector":"#anim-5038985e-5be2-458c-9d3d-34efe13fcc7a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c8538e0a-dc06-46e9-9b2c-9148375fe9f3","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-80af779f-b4e9-4b2b-8756-5cd43b72eb91 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Overreactions are a natural response in the realm of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to player performances or the outcomes of games.

[{"selector":"#anim-1d07da18-046d-4d86-9926-ccb725f7fc6b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b2788bca-dd9a-49f5-860b-0f99c61de70a","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c25211c9-7e9b-4e92-aa50-bf69ccb571fa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

The league is more competitive than ever, with teams from top to bottom posing significant threats, every night. Even if a club performs great all season, one loss can end its title prospects.That happened Monday night to the OKC Thunder.

[{"selector":"#anim-7a7fccf7-bec8-4a58-9db8-6fddaf1a58fc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fa70b3ed-108f-4cea-976b-768dcad87703","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-af5ca89b-07ce-4301-b31e-7469183b219d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-29.733455759376337%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Oklahoma City lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 116–104, which was one of its worst games of the year even though it is still the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

[{"selector":"#anim-faebd8c9-f70b-4624-a180-f0fc9093bc90","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6b516b06-6629-4617-8cb2-e29231c2b903","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4fbc4984-758f-40cd-8ddd-f87f4289b142 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

The offense struggled against a relentless Los Angeles defense, shooting below 40%.The Thunder's standout combination of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams scored 42 points on 13-of-36 shooting in a heartbreaking loss.

[{"selector":"#anim-b342f296-82e0-46fa-9dad-7a8a279f859e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6b74cc8a-9f09-4ec9-bace-2b2869faa2ea","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e3f71595-29bc-4a8f-85dd-62f8a4ba8e64 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-27.251838097259164%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Besides those three, no other player rose to the challenge enough to beat players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell.

[{"selector":"#anim-4945c48d-ee22-4bce-b620-4db3029848a5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-309a4913-ef29-440c-934b-8a2e0f2fae21","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8ad3e67e-e8cf-4586-8311-21092eba9c58 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

The Lakers are now ranked ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 34-29, and they have not exactly been considered a major threat in the Western Conference this season.

[{"selector":"#anim-6439ddef-0d11-412f-bdf3-7bb6a197531b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.708844952224127%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0a79ef10-4498-4ca4-bb29-7cad647bc175","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-09d18080-f66a-45ee-9a0a-a5324f828cda","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

It has been hard for them to keep everyone together, but their high-level ability makes them more than capable of being a contender again.

[{"selector":"#anim-0d17b9ec-243e-400a-81de-462c1039b5cf [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.15808812096213%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-51efa2f6-3cd7-48eb-912f-db1f35e29291","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e56133b9-4bce-4d12-bb09-b009b5ab74a0","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Last night's game showed that Oklahoma City probably wants to avoid that first-round meeting at all costs. However, if the standings stay the same, a date with Los Angeles could be coming up.

[{"selector":"#anim-f4d09077-0566-4135-b26d-7762fc3c8d41 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-14.800613283344003%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7be31a51-6d41-4cf5-90a2-04bbb66d4c52","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1f8b70ee-708a-4699-9389-9dd344cdf895","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

But even if that's the case, the Thunder have shown enough this season to make it impossible to think that they will be eliminated in the first round.

[{"selector":"#anim-a671f5a0-0adb-4e08-b583-cd3b0be6e368 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.354779280422342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f8e25eb8-50fe-4305-a021-1dba67964aa3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c16e500f-3014-4953-9149-8e6b47be3e64","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Even if that's true, the Thunder have demonstrated enough this season to avoid a first-round exit. Although a seven-game series against the Lakers is not ideal, it is different than a single game in March.

[{"selector":"#anim-51e93db5-e5ba-4edb-8748-a612c78d31b6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-14.436983255279376%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e16b1ec7-4613-49e8-8d84-63d98bff8366","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a50ceaa5-f1d8-4fb9-a34b-4e1100bb9379","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Oklahoma City has the talent to compete with any West team, even without the postseason experience of Los Angeles or Denver. One game may be off, but a series' key players will play well.

[{"selector":"#anim-3425fc6a-d3e3-4230-8e58-7c4cacfa3012 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ee00c741-97dd-4e06-b1b0-bcef1639b6e9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d64d873e-8632-4fde-8aa3-932ef501a0f3","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

With the exception of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, the Thunder has a record that is either winning or tied with every other club in the Western Conference.

[{"selector":"#anim-66261b97-f227-4651-a92b-b345f6ed4d73 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.676470458844943%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4558046e-0234-4a5a-b71f-8f018f6e92c2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-de5f57e0-5c15-4d92-a619-d3f92e69cce5","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

also see

[{"selector":"#anim-9a6465dd-fc8e-4bb8-b8af-14bef2f5ac70","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(114.51104%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .8, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-19cf000c-769d-4603-8b2d-9563eb7c2882","keyframes":{"transform":["rotateZ(180deg)","rotateZ(0deg)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .5, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4ab25469-b7a0-44a8-95a0-f8a565653532","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bf4e76dc-b45c-4c06-854f-dc76e81f27fd","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-470c1415-13a1-41d9-8616-a3aaa7cec283","keyframes":[{"offset":0,"transform":"translate3d(0, -517.73505%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.29,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.45,"transform":"translate3d(0, -145.58709606%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.61,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.71,"transform":"translate3d(0, -49.495470780000005%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.8,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.85,"transform":"translate3d(0, -18.586688295000002%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.92,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.96,"transform":"translate3d(0, -8.07666678%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":1,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"}],"delay":0,"duration":600,"fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-26c37f21-30b6-4c69-9bfd-73d106d09462 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Swipe up

OKC’s Loss to the Lakers Shouldn’t Diminish Playoff Hopes

_______________________

The Oklahoma City Thunder played one of its worst games of the season against the Los Angeles Lakers, who are in the running for the playoffs. However, there should be no more questions about its ability to keep winning.

Overreactions are a natural response in the realm of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to player performances or the outcomes of games.

The league is more competitive than ever, with teams from top to bottom posing significant threats, every night. Even if a club performs great all season, one loss can end its title prospects.That happened Monday night to the OKC Thunder.

Oklahoma City lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 116–104, which was one of its worst games of the year even though it is still the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

The offense struggled against a relentless Los Angeles defense, shooting below 40%.The Thunder's standout combination of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams scored 42 points on 13-of-36 shooting in a heartbreaking loss.

Besides those three, no other player rose to the challenge enough to beat players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell.

The Lakers are now ranked ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 34-29, and they have not exactly been considered a major threat in the Western Conference this season.

It has been hard for them to keep everyone together, but their high-level ability makes them more than capable of being a contender again.

Last night's game showed that Oklahoma City probably wants to avoid that first-round meeting at all costs. However, if the standings stay the same, a date with Los Angeles could be coming up.

But even if that's the case, the Thunder have shown enough this season to make it impossible to think that they will be eliminated in the first round.

Even if that's true, the Thunder have demonstrated enough this season to avoid a first-round exit. Although a seven-game series against the Lakers is not ideal, it is different than a single game in March.

Oklahoma City has the talent to compete with any West team, even without the postseason experience of Los Angeles or Denver. One game may be off, but a series' key players will play well.

With the exception of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, the Thunder has a record that is either winning or tied with every other club in the Western Conference.

also see

also see

Pelicans Travel North Of The Border To Face The Injury-Riddled Raptors