Thunder/Lakers Live Game Blog and Game Notes

Dennis Schroder, Terrance Ferguson, and Mike Muscala are all out of today's game with the Lakers. This information comes courtesy of the latest NBA injury report released today at 1 pm central.

Schroder is still with his wife for the birth of their second child, Ferguson is suffering from a leg contusion, and Muscala is in the concussion protocol.

The timing is never good on injuries, but, especially now since there are only six seeding games left, the Thunder needs every able body they can get. Since coming to the bubble, Billy Donovan has said that he wants to keep all his players engaged. There is no better way of keeping players locked in than with the promise of playing time. While Donovan won't guarantee everyone will see game action, it's there for the taking even if it's only for a few minutes to give one of the regulars a rest.

The Thunder are one of the most mentally tough teams in the NBA, look no further than their 25-6 clutch time record since November 25th. But with the restart giving no margin for error, the Thunder, much like they have done all season, will have to figure out ways to win while facing adversity.

On the Laker's side of the things, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are listed as probable while Dwight Howard is questionable. Howard and James are both dealing with sore knees, and Davis has a sprained right ankle.

Zero Positives

The NBA tested 343 players for COVID-19, and zero came back positive. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, this the third straight week with no positive test results.

First Quater:

Lakers and Thunder are going with a typical starting five. Let's see how long LAL stays interested.

Lu Dort, with the first two could be four of the night. That first bucket made possible by the pick set by Steven Adams.

Good gosh! Adams just split Lebron James and McGee like he was a freaking running back. Watching Adams drive to the basket is almost like watching Earl Campbell run the ball.

You think Billy Donovan told Lu Dort as they were walking out the court for pregame, "Hey, Lu, you got Bron."?

Mama! There goes that, man! Adams with an authoritative dunk!

That last possession was bothersome. Danilo Gallinari has a size advantage over Danny Green, and he didn't use it to back him down. He looked lost, and Green was able to poke the ball right out.

Noel, in for Adams, and here comes Alex Caruso. LeBron on the bench, and let's hope that Frank Vogel thinks he needs extended rest. Much like Saturday, the Thunder are having a good start shooting the ball, OKC 6/12 from the floor.

Great hustle by Diallo off the Bazley miss! Yes, the ball is going back to the Lakers, but you can tell Diallo is has a playoff mentally right now. Not to say others don't get it, but Diallo understands this is a sprint, and he is playing as his life depends on each game.

When you get your shot blocked by Anthony Daivs, that's a reminder that you are on an NBA team, and life isn't so bad after all.

Impressive first quarter by the Thunder, the Lakers did miss some open shots, so the defense needs to tighten up. But, all in all, that's about as good a start Billy Donovan could have hoped for.

Thunder lead 26-18 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter

The Thunder has pushed out to a quite 12 point lead. TImeout Lakers.

Dort isn't going to get that call. In fact, he was a step late trying to keep up with James.

Thunder is 13/13 from the free-throw line.

Here are some points of concern; the Lakers have been sloppy and are only down two possessions. The Thunder are just 1/10 from three, Oklahoma City has committed ten fouls and seven turnovers.

As good as this game has been for the Thunder, and it has to a point, you just worry about the Lakers, being able to start hitting their shots and cleaning things up on the offensive end.

Gallinari has a sneaky good offensive game; he's 3/5 from the field with 10 points.

Billy Donovan wins a coach's challenge!

Adams give the Thunder their first missed free throw of the night now 18/19 make it 18/20.

Chirs Paul is abusing Kuzma on that possession, getting to the foul line, then sinking both. He follows that up with locking down Danny Green on the Laker's last shot.

By the way, per Thunder public relations, Nerlens Noel racked his 500th block tonight. Making him just the fifth player since he was drafted in 2014 earn 500 plus blocks and 450 steals. The other four, Anthony Daivs, Giannis, Andre Drummond, and Draymond Green.

Thunder lead at halftime 52-45

Third Quarter

Quick four points to start the quarter, KCP took a shot from Chris Paul ouch! I'd be going to the sidelines as well. Even when he is a step slow, LeBron James is still the best player on the floor.

Adams is getting around a little slower after McGee landed on his leg. Adams going back to the training room to have that leg looked at.

Steven Adams getting worked on in the hallway, and about to walk back out on to the court. Sam Presti is telling Rachel Nichols he didn't think it was that serious.

LeBron must have said the magic word..." you." I had a ref tell me once, that you could say anything you wanted to him as long as you didn't use the word you.

Gallinari is just killing the Lakers tonight. He is 5/12 with 16 points. It's almost as if you forget how good he is. Diallo drawing the foul on Anthony Daivs.

Davis is leaving the court.

All Thunder starters are in double digits tonight.

Adams back in the game, and looking like Steven Adams. Shai Gilgeous Alexander is a prime example of why stats can be misleading. He's just 2/9 from the field, but he's done a tremendous job of getting to the free-throw line where he's 6/6. He has 11 points, as Donovan says you have to be able to affect the game, even when you're not shooting the ball well.

Diallo ending the third quarter with some authority!

81-66 Thunder

Fourth Quarter:

Adams still has a noticeable limp. If he speaks after the game, he'll say it's no big deal, but that guy has one of the highest pain tolerances known to man.

It's hard not to LOVE Dion Waiters, still screaming AND ONE! Every time he goes to the hoop. That kind of commitment in life must be respected.

Thunder putting together their best performance of the restart! We'll have more on Inside The Thunder.

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