Lakers get swept by OKC... LeBron at 42 is insane but the Thunder are just a machine
Game 4 between the defending champs OKC and the Lakers in LA was absolutely wild! Lakers fought hard, but they just couldn't weather the storm when the Thunder turned it on at the end and broke the "King’s knights." Lakers had a real chance to extend the series here, but OKC’s defense is just on another level.
Fast forward to the final minute—40.9 seconds on the clock, 109:110 on the scoreboard. There’s still hope the Lakers can avoid the sweep. If they pull this off, the GOAT talk for LeBron goes crazy—dude is 42 and out here "storm chasing" against the Thunder. Honestly, who knows if he's even in a Lakers jersey next year or somewhere else, but let’s save that drama for after the Larry O'Brien trophy is lifted. Right now, OKC looks like the team to beat.
Back to the play. 109:110, OKC ball. Thunder scores even with LeBron playing solid D on Holmgren (16 pts). Luka—who’s out injured—is waving for a travel from the bench, but no whistle. Lakers ball, about 32 seconds left… The lineup on the floor: Reaves (27 pts), LeBron (24), Hachimura (25), Smart (5), and Hayes (18). Hayes was actually a huge spark tonight, 18 points in 27 minutes. But everyone’s looking at Rui, he’s been the best story for the Lakers this postseason. Him and Kennard are the only ones hitting 3s, Rui was 4-8 tonight. You'd think they go for the 3, right?
James drives with about 25 seconds left, looked like an easy bucket. They got the switch off Dort (who was glued to LeBron all night) so Caruso takes him. Bron beats Caruso but the ball just wouldn't go in! Everything was played perfectly, the ball just didn't drop.
Then the Lakers let OKC bring the ball up without a quick foul, and finally they foul SGA (35 pts) who was just milking the clock. Shai is cold blooded, hits the first... then the second. 12.2 seconds left. Timeout. You’re thinking the play is for Kennard or Rui, probably Rui, and then just pray for OT. The camera zooms in on Reaves, he’s got 27, shooting 8-16, 3-7 from deep. He’s feeling it. Kleber check in for the first time, probably for a screen. But Rui is on the bench?! JJ Redick leaving him out is a choice... people are definitely gonna be talking about that. 8 seconds left, ball to Reaves, time to save the season... he takes the 3... CLANK.
The rim just got too small for the Lakers when it mattered. Two massive shots, two misses. Mitchell (28 pts) seals it at the line with 6.4 seconds left and that’s a wrap. 115:110 for the Thunder. That’s 8 straight playoff wins for them, two sweeps in a row, and now they wait for Spurs/Timberwolves.
Bottom line: Lakers did what they could, but the playoffs exposed their lack of depth. They’re the total opposite of OKC, who probably have the deepest bench in the league. Still, season was okay, they beat the Rockets when they weren't favorites, but the champs were just too much. Maybe with Luka it’s a different story, but we’ll never know.
As for the Thunder, 8-0 in the playoffs so far and they make it look easy. Just a well-oiled machine grinding everyone down. Does anyone have an answer for their rotations? Might be watching a new dynasty starting right now. (I.D.)