Lakers again falter after halftime in Game 2 loss to the Thunder

"Even with Reaves recovering to scoring 31 points on 10-for-16 shooting and handing out six assists and James collecting 23 points and six assists, the Lakers still lost Game 2 of the best-of-seven series, 125-107, Thursday night at Paycom Center."

"The Lakers trail the series 2-0, with Game 3 back in Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. The odds have now increased against the Lakers winning this series. In NBA history, only 34 teams have recovered from an 0-2 hole to win a best-of-seven series, while 431 teams have gone on to win the series."

"The Lakers even did a very good job again on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, throwing double teams at him to hold the All-Star guard to 22 points. Chet Holmgren had another strong game with 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks and Ajay Mitchell had 20 points for the Thunder."

"A big play was when Reaves took a charge against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 10 minutes and 34 seconds left in the third quarter, which was his fourth foul. Gilgeous-Alexander was called for a flagrant foul on the play and Alex Caruso was called for a technical foul. Reaves shot three free throws, making them all for a 66-61 Lakers lead."

The Lakers entered the Western Conference semifinals against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder and lost Game 2, 125-107, at Paycom Center. LeBron James scored 23 points with six assists, while Austin Reaves scored 31 points on 10-for-16 shooting and added six assists. Oklahoma City led after halftime and extended its advantage, including a 10-2 run in the fourth quarter that pushed Los Angeles into a 13-point deficit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 22 points through double teams. Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks, while Ajay Mitchell added 20 points. The series stands 2-0 for the Thunder, with Game 3 in Los Angeles.

Read at Los Angeles Times