Thunder literally steal Game 2 from Lakers with second-half surge

Los Angeles Lakers feeling Luka Doncic's absence

The Thunder defense is difficult for any team, but especially one that's short on guards. With Luka Doncic out, the pressure on Reaves and LeBron James (23 points, six assists, three turnovers) builds. It was worse when the Thunder went after the Lakers' big men, forcing two turnovers each on Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes while the pair combined for just nine points.

The Lakers shot 50 percent overall and made 38 percent of their threes, both better than their usual. Aside from Ayton going 1-of-7, the team shot well and Reaves even connected with James on a long alley-oop.

Maybe it would be different with Doncic on the ball. Without him, the ball pressure was simply too much for the older, slower Lakers against the Thunder. One downside of SGA sitting is that a more intense ball-hawking defender comes in to replace him, be it Alex Caruso (two steals) or Cason Wallace (one steal, one block, 12 points).

It's unlikely Doncic can return for the games in Los Angeles, so the Lakers are going to have prioritize taking care of the ball, especially the centers. They're going to need more than nine points from their centers. That starts with not letting Holmgren take the ball away from them.