Thunder seeks playoff redemption against LeBron's Lakers, battles free-throw narratives, and aims to shatter the reigning champion curse.
Los Angeles’ Game 6 win against Houston means the Lakers will face the Thunder in the second round. The first clash is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central on May 5.
Check out overarching storylines for the Thunder’s second-round matchup.
LeBron James’ History with Thunder
The last time Oklahoma City faced LeBron James in the playoffs was the 2012 NBA Finals. James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists and won his first championship.
It was supposed to be the beginning of a potential dynasty for a young Thunder squad featuring Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka. All of them were 23-years-old or younger during the Finals. However, Harden was traded months later, and the core never managed to get over the finish line.
Can Oklahoma City avenge this heartbreaking loss 14 years later?
Meanwhile, the Thunder have a history of being the final chapter for NBA legends. Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan all played their final career playoff game against Oklahoma City, and James could join the list if Los Angeles loses this series and he never makes it back to the playoffs. Russell Westbrook will also be a member of the club if he fails to reach the postseason again.
Free Throw Narrative
According to many NBA fans, Oklahoma City is the face of foul baiting and has the refs in its pocket despite the fact that there is no statistical evidence to back up these claims. It’s a narrative driven by envy and disbelief that the Thunder are this good this quickly.
The narrative will be under the spotlight against a Lakers squad that should be the face of free throws. Los Angeles shot 457 more free throws than their opponents this season, which led the NBA. Oklahoma City was 11th with a differential of 107 more free throws.
How about the last three seasons? The Lakers are first in free throw attempt differential by a mile at +1186 – for context, Miami is second in the NBA at +632 and Oklahoma City is 25th at -282.
Los Angeles also has the greatest differential over the past 20, 40, 60 and 80 seasons. The Lakers have been the king of free throws throughout their history.
Reigning Champion Curse
There has never been more parity in the NBA, as the last reigning champion to reach the Conference Finals was the 2019 Warriors. The Thunder can break this dubious streak by defeating the Lakers.