NBA Playoff Game 5 Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers - 04/27/10
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a critical Game 5 tonight. The 1st Round series is tied 2-2, so stakes are very high for tonight's contest. TNT will broadcast the game at 7:30pm PST.
It's nervous time in Los Angeles , as the defending champions are being pushed to the limits by the upstart Thunder. After winning the first two games, the Lakers now return home all tied at 2-2. The Lakers were dominated in Game 4, losing by 21 points in Oklahoma City . There are whispers that G Kobe Bryant is hurt more than he's leading on, and his efforts in Game 4 did nothing to dispel those whispers. Bryant didn't attempt a shot until the 2nd quarter, and ended up with a paltry 12 PTS for the game. The Lakers allowed the Thunder to score more than 100 PTS in each game in Oklahoma City , as they allowed 105.5 PPG to the Thunder. The Lakers are focused on getting back on defense to eliminate the Thunder's fast break opportunities. Bryant is averaging 24 PPG this series, the only Laker averaging more than 20 PPG. F Pau Gasol is averaging 18.5 PPG and 11 RPG this series.
Center D.J. Mbenga has been ruled Out for tonight's contest due to an eye injury. Guard Sasha Vujacic has also been ruled Out with an injured ankle.
Oklahoma City is attempting to pull off one of the greatest series shockers in NBA history. The upstart Thunder proved just how formidable they are going to be in the future, as they dominated the Lakers at home in wins. The Thunder really pushed the pace at home, as they scored more than 100 PTS in each game. The Thunder will look to push the pace yet again tonight in a very crucial Game 5. F Kevin Durant is earning rave reviews in the first playoff series of his career. Durant is averaging 26.8 PPG and 9 RPG this series, both team highs. G Russell Westbrook has been just as amazing, as he's averaging 21.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and a team high 5 APG against the Lakers this series.
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