After looking extremely flat in the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals, the Los Angeles Lakers come out Friday night looking determined to get themselves back into the series with Thunder. And the Lakers did just that en route to a 99-96 victory over Oklahoma City cutting the series in half at 2-1.
The Lakers took advantage of a sluggish Oklahoma City team in the first quarter jumping out to an early double digit lead.
James Harden however was able to wake his team up a bit scoring seven quick points to even things up in the second. The Thunder would eventually go on to take the lead in the second quarter however the Lakers were able to weather Oklahoma City’s roll and to keep the game even.
Finally, Metta World Peace was able to sink a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Lakers a 50-47 lead at the half.
Unlike the beginning of the first half, Oklahoma City started out the second looking very strong like they have all series jumping out to a seven point lead.
The Lakers though would regain the momentum at the end of the third quarter to get themselves within striking distance for the fourth.
And in the fourth, the Lakers quickly took the lead within two minutes however the Thunder would eventually take the lead right back in what became a see-saw battle.
The Thunder were able to hold onto a small lead in the wanning minutes of regulation before a few huge late baskets and even bigger Kobe Bryant free throws sent the Lakers to victory.
Los Angeles will now look to even the series in Game 4 from the Staples Center.
