Lakers Silence the Thunder

Leading wire-to-wire, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their road winning ways over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ford Center, 107-89. Kobe Bryant led the balanced scoring attack with 19 points in three quarters of play, followed by Lamar Odom with 18 points, Pau Gasol with 14 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, Josh Powell adding another 14 points, and both Derek Fisher and Luke Walton contributing 11 points apiece. The Bench Mob continued their spirited play outscoring their OKC counterparts, 39-22. The Lakers led by 17 after the first quarter and extended their lead to 24 by halftime. The Thunder appeared frustrated by the swarming Lakers defense, and never mounted a serious threat. Kevin Durant led the way for OKC with 24 points but the backcourt of Thabo Sefolosha and Russell Westbrook combined for only 20 points on a dismal 6-22 from the field while committing 9 turnovers.

Next up for the Lakers on their 7-game road trip (2-0) is a Thursday night match-up with the injury-depleted Detroit Pistons. The Lakers remain one game behind Cleveland for the best record in the league. The Cavs host New Jersey at home tomorrow evening, but the more interesting match-up will be Boston visiting Orlando in a battle for the number two seed in the Eastern Conference. Phoenix remains a full three games behind Dallas for the 8th spot in the Western Conference, the Lakers probable first round opponent. Now, if we can only get Andrew Bynum back in time for a few tune-up games…