The Los Angeles Lakers’ path to the knockout stage of the Emirates NBA Cup turned even more durable after a 101-93 loss to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Friday night time. This was the Lakers’ remaining recreation of group play, and the defeat dropped their report to 2-2 in Group B of the Western Convention.
The Thunder managed the sport’s tempo, forcing the Lakers into an unusually gradual and ineffective offensive rhythm. In consequence, Los Angeles now finds itself on the point of elimination from the event.
Group B Standings After Friday
- San Antonio Spurs: 2-1, +14 level differential, 353 complete factors
- Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: 2-1, +18 level differential, 304 complete factors
- Phoenix Suns: 2-1, +19 level differential, 330 complete factors
- Los Angeles Lakers: 2-2, -24 level differential, 437 complete factors
- Utah Jazz: 0-3, -27 level differential, 345 complete factors
What’s Subsequent for the Lakers?
The Lakers’ solely likelihood of advancing to the knockout stage is by securing the lone wild-card spot from the Western Convention. To qualify, they have to end second in Group B and have one of the best report amongst all second-place groups within the West.
Nonetheless, their massive detrimental level differential (-24) places them at a extreme drawback. With just one recreation left for different Group B groups, it’s unlikely the Lakers can leapfrog their competitors, as groups just like the Suns and Thunder have superior level differentials.
The Lakers now face the daunting actuality of falling brief in a contest they as soon as hoped to contend for, underscoring the significance of consistency within the NBA Cup format
