The Athletic NBA Daily
Why the Lakers are a nightmare for the Thunder + MVPs in purgatory
Apr 7, 2025
John Wilmes, a writer for RealGM, joins to discuss the Lakers' dominant win over the Thunder. He highlights Luka Doncic's impressive 30-point game and breaks down the playoff dynamics facing both teams. The conversation shifts to the MVP race, focusing on the intriguing situations of Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, exploring how their playoff performances could affect their legacy. They also touch on strategic coaching decisions and the challenges of maintaining offensive effectiveness against tough defenses.
28:43
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Lakers demonstrated playoff readiness through strategic defense and diverse scoring options, significantly overpowering the Thunder in their recent game.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic face crucial playoff challenges as their MVP candidacy relies heavily on team performance and outcomes this season.
Deep dives
Lakers' Dominance and Playoff Readiness
The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their strength against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a convincing victory, aided by an impressive three-point shooting performance. Their ability to match the Thunder's physicality was a significant factor, allowing them to control the game's pace and intensity. Notably, the Lakers' defensive strategy, which included switching and pre-rotating to block driving lanes, effectively minimized free throws for Thunder star Shea Gildress Alexander. This disciplined approach by the Lakers highlights their playoff readiness and underlines the importance of having multiple scoring options to support their intrepid performance.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
