L.A. was killed on the fast break by a younger, more athletic Thunder squad in Game 1, as well as looked lost when defending OKC's pick-and-roll half-court offense. The Lakers, who have struggled defending the pick and roll for decades, had to find a way to adjust for Game 2, or suffer a similar fate.
And adjust they did.
A key component of the Lakers' defensive adjustment in Game 2 was how they played the ball-handler on the pick and roll. When OKC set a pick on the Lakers' ball-defender, instead of worrying about the rolling OKC player, both Lakers defenders stayed home to trap the ball-handler.
L.A. did a much better job with their help rotations, stepping into the lane to contest the rolling OKC player or to make a play on the pass. If the OKC ball-handler (typically, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook or James Harden) took a jump shot, it was over the outstretched hands of one or two L.A. defenders.
The Lakers also made a conscious effort to control the pace and tempo of the game to fit their liking.
L.A. still has the best post-scoring options in the playoffs with Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant on the elbow. The Lakers were deliberately patient on offense, usually running the shot clock down to less than seven seconds before attempting a shot, thus limiting the Thunder's possessions and fast-break opportunities.
OKC's half-court offense primarily relies on jump shooting, and after scoring 119 points and shooting a blistering 57 percent in Game 1, L.A. was able to limit them to only 42 percent and 77 points in Game 2. The Lakers were also able to force OKC into committing 12 turnovers as opposed to only four in Game 1.
The Lakers were in control of Game 2...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
