Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Lessons from win over Oklahoma City Thunder
By Ronald Agers
Walton saved his job…but Zubac saved Walton’s hide
The defensive debate that played out in the media was a big deal. Tyson Chandler being in the starting lineup did not fix the slow starts the Lakers are suffering from these days. After the first quarter, Zubac had his chance.
Man if he didn’t take advantage of it…
Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball will get the headlines, but on the sneak, Ivica Zubac destroyed the Thunder interior defense to the tune of a career-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. Zubac will make millions in the NBA because he runs the floor and is always prepared to play and is always in position.
He beats the opposing big man down the floor playing the trailer on the fast break and is ready to follow-up if there is a miss…
He is always there as an outlet when his teammates drives to the basket and his man goes to cover being in position at the rim…
I don’t base performances fully on stats, but these are Wilt-like. In 28 minutes, Zubac hit 12-14 shots, grabbed 6 offensive rebounds and had a plus/minus of +35. Here’s the big story…
Oklahoma City Thunder center, Steven Adams had 8 points before the crowd sat down four minutes into the game. He had 9 the rest of the game which included overtime!
Ergo…he played defense too!