The Los Angeles Lakers lost by 18 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, according to a May 6 statement. The team was competitive through three quarters before the Thunder pulled away late in the game.
The outcome highlights the challenges facing the Lakers, who are considered underdogs against the defending NBA champions and are playing without Luka Doncic. Marcus Smart said that whenever they failed to stick to their strategy, Oklahoma City capitalized on those mistakes. “Yea we had a game plan and a few times we didn’t do exactly what we was supposed to do within the game plan,” Smart said after the loss. “And we got a little outside of ourselves of the game plan and they made us pay for it.”
Despite losing by double digits, Smart remains optimistic about his team’s chances in this series. “Very high,” Smart said of his confidence in his team. “We started off great. We were doing very well, we were in the game. We held them to 101, 105ish before late in the end. You know we’re playing the defending champs, it’s gonna be tough. They’re gonna make some tough shots, some tough plays, we just can’t let that derail us right? We gotta stay with it. But I’m very positive in the way that the game plan is. Teammates, we’re getting Austin [Reaves] back in his groove and just getting guys back. So I’m definitely confident, but it’s definitely gonna be a challenge.”
The Lakers found some positives despite defeat: they managed to contain reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for much of Game 1 and created good offensive opportunities but struggled with shot accuracy.
A key concern going forward will be helping Austin Reaves recover from shooting just three-for-16 during Game 1 as well as improving overall execution of their strategy.
Luka Doncic’s injury continues to impact team plans; he stated that his original recovery timeline would keep him out for another three weeks.