The Oklahoma City Thunder took control of Game 2 in the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday night at Paycom Center, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 to build a 2-0 series lead. The defending champions outscored the Lakers 32-15 during a decisive third-quarter run that head coach JJ Redick pointed to as the turning point.
“We just got blitzed, 32 to 14, seven turnovers,” Redick said when asked what stood out most from the loss. “They shot 14 free throws around that stretch.”
Redick emphasized the Lakers’ inability to hold onto possessions and defend without fouling during Oklahoma City’s surge. He noted that the coaching staff will reexamine rotations and structure ahead of Game 3.
“We’ll look at lineups, we’ll look at everything, try to figure out how we can be better in those minutes,” he said.
The Lakers had prioritized ball security and rebounding entering the series, but Redick admitted those issues remain after two games. The Thunder have consistently capitalized on second-chance opportunities and live-ball mistakes.
“You can start seeing some trends here,” Redick said. “We probably need to go back to the two keys we had against Houston, which is take care of the ball and box out.”
Oklahoma City’s efficiency around the rim and on extra possessions repeatedly shifted momentum, with Redick stressing how quickly those breakdowns turn into points.
“It’s not on high volume, but they’ve killed us in both games,” he said. “Every time they’ve gotten an offensive rebound, they’ve scored.”
A major talking point was officiating and physicality, especially after several extended exchanges between players and referees, including a first-half technical foul on Redick. He addressed the frustration without blaming the loss solely on the referees, but was direct about contact plays.
“I sarcastically said the other day they were the most disruptive team without fouling,” Redick said. “They have a few guys that foul on every possession.”
Redick specifically cited repeated contact in the paint and on entry passes, describing stretches where he felt the Lakers were consistently hit without whistles.
“Our guys got absolutely clobbered trying to make an entry pass,” he said. “They’re hard enough to play. You’ve got to be able to just call it if they foul.”
He also touched on LeBron James’ limited free-throw attempts in the first two games, noting the physical treatment the veteran forward has endured.
“LeBron has the worst whistle of any star player I’ve ever seen,” Redick said. “He gets clobbered a bunch, and it rarely gets called.”
Despite the frustration, Redick emphasized that the Lakers maintained composure even as emotions rose during key sequences.
“Our guys were so good tonight, just staying together, poised,” he said. “The emotion’s part of basketball.”
Redick also credited Oklahoma City’s discipline in avoiding constant complaints, suggesting it may influence how games are officiated.
“They don’t complain to the officials,” he said. “Maybe they’re the beneficiaries of that.”
With the series shifting to Los Angeles for Game 3, Redick made clear the Lakers will focus on correcting execution rather than external factors.
“We didn’t lose because of the refs,” he said. “You lose because the other team outplays you. Oklahoma City outplayed us.”
The Lakers will look to bounce back on Saturday as they aim to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole against a Thunder team that continues to control momentum on both ends.
