3 adjustments Lakers need to make for Game 3 vs. Thunder

TL;DR

The Lakers need to implement zone defense, attack Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and reduce switching to improve their chances in Game 3 against the Thunder. After two significant losses, these adjustments are crucial to avoid falling into a 0-3 series deficit.

Key points

Lakers lost Game 1 and Game 2 by 18 points each
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 20 points in the series
Lakers need to implement zone defense to limit Thunder scoring
No team has ever overcome a 0-3 playoff deficit in NBA history
Reducing switching could help Lakers on defensive rebounds

LakersThunderShai Gilgeous-AlexanderAustin Reaves

It feels like the Lakers are close to putting together a winning performance in at least one of their games against the Thunder in their second-round playoff series. But their 18-point losses in Game 1 and Game 2 in Oklahoma City suggest they aren’t as close as it feels.

The Lakers’ Austin Reaves erupted on offense, but LA might need to employ a zone to top the Thunder. Getty Images The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday and Game 4 on Monday, with the Lakers looking to avoid falling into the dreaded 0-3 hole — a series deficit no team in NBA history has overcome. If the Lakers want to have a shot at winning the best-of-seven series, they need to make a few adjustments for Game 3:

Zone defense

The Lakers spent a significant chunk of the regular season deploying a zone defense. And yet, they haven’t played zone during the playoffs. The Thunder faced the second-most zone defense in the league this season, scoring 1.005 points per possession (ranked 20th), compared with the 1.039 points per possession they score when playing against man-to-man defense (ranked second). The Lakers played zone defense the third most of any team this season, allowing 0.955 points per possession (ranked sixth in the NBA). The Lakers have stuck with putting two on the ball when is the ball handler. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 20 points and four assists the first two games of the series. NBAE via Getty Images It’s produced the results they’ve wanted when it comes to limiting Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s averaged 20 points and five turnovers to go with four assists through the first two games. The Lakers are getting the ball out of his hands and forcing other Thunder players to make plays. The problem for the Lakers is that the “others” have been making those plays when the Lakers’ defense voluntarily puts itself in rotation. The Thunder are scoring 1.75 points per possession in the playoffs when their opponent sends a double team on isolations — which is by far the highest mark in the league. And when teams have doubled Gilgeous-Alexander’s isos during the regular season and playoffs, the Thunder are scoring 1.286 points per possession, an elite mark. The Thunder are comfortable when the Lakers put two on the ball against Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers need to throw in different looks more consistently. Playing zone defense again, even if it’s only in doses, should be part of the equation.

Q&A

What adjustments do the Lakers need to make for Game 3 against the Thunder?

The Lakers should implement zone defense, attack Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and reduce their switching strategy.

How has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander performed in the series against the Lakers?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 20 points and four assists in the first two games of the series.

What is the historical significance of the Lakers potentially falling to a 0-3 series deficit?

No team in NBA history has ever overcome a 0-3 deficit in a playoff series, making it crucial for the Lakers to win Game 3.

Why is zone defense important for the Lakers against the Thunder?

The Thunder have struggled against zone defense, scoring only 1.005 points per possession, which could help the Lakers limit their scoring opportunities.