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00:00Here in Atlanta, as we get ready, here on ESPN, for Luka and the Lakers to take on the team with the best record in the NBA.
00:08The defending champions, Shea Gilgis-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, tipping off at 9.47.
00:17We welcome you back here to Atlanta, and you saw Orlando beat New York 124-107, first home loss for the Knicks.
00:25Meantime, the best record in the Eastern Conference belongs to the Detroit Bulls.
00:30Absolutely right.
00:31The Detroit Pistons playing without Cade Cunningham, playing without Jalen Dura, playing without Osor Thompson, playing without Tobias Harris.
00:39There's no way they can beat the Bulls without all those guys.
00:42Never trailed, leading by as many as 23.
00:45How about Dennis Jenkins, the guy on a two-way contract with the Motor City Cruz?
00:50How did the Bulls lose this game?
00:52Duncan Robinson for three.
00:55That's embarrassing, Chicago.
00:5962, or excuse me, 68-52 at the half.
01:03Come on, he's swinging.
01:06Karis Levert to the rim.
01:09Karis still, Duncan.
01:10But the Bulls do make a little run.
01:12Jaladis Buzelas.
01:14Hey, all of a sudden, they're just down four.
01:15Ernie, that's why you have to always respect the other team.
01:18They got NBA players, too.
01:19You are exactly right.
01:20There's Duncan Robinson, the former Miami Heat player who had 23 tonight, 12 of those in the first quarter.
01:28Tell you what, that Duran kid, he's a grown man.
01:31Yes, he had.
01:32And you know what?
01:32Paul Reed, 28-13-6.
01:35Yeah.
01:35He had never had a 20-10-5 game in 270 games.
01:40But he had one tonight when the Pistons needed one with all those guys hurt.
01:45Meantime, we look at the Lakers and Oklahoma City, and your first thought on this one is?
01:51OKC, still telling people we are the champs.
01:55We are not fat from the summer.
01:57We want to go back-to-back, and whoever is in our way, we're going to kill them.
02:01Lakers are 8-3 without LeBron James.
02:04How big a game, Chuck, is this for them at OKC?
02:07I don't think it's a big game.
02:09Because, number one, they shouldn't win the game.
02:11Because OKC is the best team in the NBA, and I think by a good margin.
02:18The Lakers just got to get LeBron healthy and then see where they are.
02:22But I don't think a game this early in the season matters to them.
02:26Watts anyway.
02:28Oh.
02:29Come on.
02:31No, I think it's a good measuring stick for the Lakers right now.
02:36There you go.
02:36I do think measuring stick.
02:37I appreciate that.
02:38We'll take you to OKC on the other side.
02:41But Watts anyway.
02:43That's what he just said.
02:44He's like, this game don't mean.
02:47He's like, well, Watts anyway.
02:48Should have never gone there.
02:51Our NBA Wednesday presented by State Farm continues as we welcome you to Oklahoma City,
02:58home to the reigning NBA champions.
03:00Tonight, they host a franchise that's won 17 NBA titles.
03:04And, of course, a sellout crowd at the Paycom Center.
03:07With that championship banner, shines brightly and on display tonight.
03:14And good evening, everyone.
03:15With Richard Jefferson and Tim Leckler, Mike Green on hand, Malika Andrews with us as well.
03:19Not only do we feature two of the game's elite players, we have two teams that are playing great team basketball.
03:25RJ, let's start with OKC.
03:27Jalen Williams hasn't played a game, one of their great players, but they're 11-1.
03:31But SGA has played 12 games, and he has been sensational.
03:35Shea has been outstanding.
03:37It's been so impressive to watch his consistency year over year.
03:41He's following it up in MVP season with the exact same numbers.
03:45Even more impressive to me is that he scored 20-plus in 80 straight games.
03:50One of the reasons that allows for this is the consistent growth of his teammates.
03:55Chad Holmgren is coming off a game where he was perfect from the field and looking like a future all-star.
04:01As for the Lakers, they're our difference maker brought to you by CarMax.
04:03Well, for the Lakers, LeBron James hasn't played a single game, but they're 8-3, and Luka Doncic has been spectacular.
04:10Well, he began the year with an injury, and once he hit the court, he wasted no time finding his rhythm,
04:15starting his season with three consecutive 40-point games.
04:19And this is a guy with all kinds of accolades, five times a first-team All-NBA selected.
04:24But this is a historic scoring spree to start this year for Luka, and then you see all-time points per game.
04:30For me, this is a challenge issued, challenge accepted by Luka Doncic.
04:36You are seeing the absolute best version of one of the NBA's most dominant players.
04:41So exciting to watch these two, the special talent at the point guard position, starting lineups, brought to you by Icy Hot.
04:50So, Aiton and Smart, two new members of the Lakers this year, have both had really nice impact.
04:58Meanwhile, for Oklahoma City, A.J. Mitchell has been the starter with some of their injuries, and he has had an enormous impact.
05:06Again, both teams off to excellent starts.
05:08Both teams have shown great chemistry this early in the season.
05:15And coaches love these type of games.
05:18Early, kind of signature games where you can kind of get a feel for where your team is at.
05:28Lakers in the middle of a road trip.
05:30They've been excellent on the road except for one game.
05:32They're 5-1.
05:33This is the third game of a five-game trip.
05:37Nice feet inside.
05:38Shot blocked by Holmgren.
05:40Aiton was at the rim, and Chet Holmgren threw it back.
05:45And there's Mitchell.
05:49Rebound goes to Hachimura.
05:53So, Kaysen Wallace will guard Doncic.
05:56He guarded Steph Curry last night and had an easy bucket for Luka Doncic.
06:00Well, and that's what their offense is predicated upon.
06:02Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves trying to live in that lane.
06:05Oklahoma City typically much better at helping on dribble penetration.
06:13Mark Stein laying some great ball.
06:15Reeves chasing Mitchell.
06:20Holmgren looking.
06:21Aiton comes up on him.
06:225-24.
06:23Step back inside the arc.
06:25Well short.
06:26And Marcus Smart the rebound.
06:27OKC did play last night and had a very impressive victory over the Golden State Warriors.
06:37Reeves swings it.
06:39Hachimura finds his spot.
06:45OKC undefeated at home.
06:47They're 5-0.
06:49Kildas Alexander's first shot.
06:52Doncic the rebound.
06:52I never root for a team to score, but I do root for Oklahoma City to score their first basket so the crowd can sit down and we can see.
07:00But I love it as DeAndre Aiton knocks down his first jumper.
07:04Stole my thought.
07:06You gotta watch that monitor until OKC scores.
07:09It's a tradition here.
07:10As Mitchell gets inside, right-handed lays it up and in.
07:13All right, sit down, everybody.
07:14Boyd Mitchell has been so impressive.
07:21They know what he's like.
07:23They know what he can do here at OKC.
07:24But everybody around the NBA is starting to find out he could be a special player.
07:30Wallace is a special defender, but he's got his hands full tonight.
07:33The size and strength of Doncic.
07:36Hachimura rattles in a three.
07:38What I like about that play from Luka is that after he made that one pass and then Chet Holmgren came over to block it,
07:45then all of a sudden he sees Chet Holmgren slipping in and gets it over to Rui.
07:49Wallace takes Doncic off the dribble and gets the layoff.
07:55Mason Wallace, A.J. Mitchell, two second-year players as Reeves lost it.
07:59Mitchell, good defense, tips it ahead.
08:02An easy two and a throw down for Mitchell.
08:04Fourth in the league at forcing turnovers.
08:10It's been their formula all of last season and also to start this year.
08:14They just generate so much offense off of your mistakes with the basketball.
08:19Alfred picking up Doncic, step back, likes that step-back three and nails that one.
08:25As we said at the top, averaging 37 points per game.
08:31Already had 40-plus three times.
08:33Gilders Alexander, his three-part is good.
08:39Hachimura running the floor.
08:42And a turnover.
08:45Again, Luka, he sees Chet creeping in.
08:49He knows that that's his help side.
08:50Finds Rui over there, knocks down the open shot.
08:53Marcus Smart guarding SGA on the pull-up foul line.
08:58Smart looking at Tony Brubbins, the official, and say,
09:00Hey, he pushed off that time.
09:02It looked like he may have extended his arm.
09:04I thought there was pretty good extension on that as well.
09:06And Marcus Smart's as good as anybody at selling it.
09:09Let's see if the next time that happens,
09:11you see a little bit more of an exaggerated reaction on the part of Marcus Smart.
09:15You can exaggerate more.
09:16Gilders Alexander, good catch there from Holmgren.
09:23Holmgren picks up his dribble.
09:25Seven on the 24.
09:28Wallace goes right at Hachimura.
09:30Harkstein spins, flips it up and in.
09:34They've now hit six straight shots after they missed their first three.
09:37Hachimura tries to get free.
09:47Wallace switches off him.
09:49Not just another step back.
09:51This one can't go.
09:52Tipped and ticked by Ayton.
09:54Knocked out of his hands.
09:55Gets it back.
09:57Marcus Smart tries a three.
10:00Knocked out of bounds.
10:01Last touch by Hachimura.
10:03Yeah, this is Marcus Smart's going to have a lot of this assignment tonight
10:07and trying to get in front and get square.
10:09That's a pretty good extension on the part of Shea Gilgis Alexander.
10:12He's already hard enough to guard.
10:14If he gets that kind of separation, it's impossible for that distance.
10:17SGA, the soft touch with the one-hand runner.
10:22Seven early points for him.
10:26Dacic using his size, trying to draw a foul.
10:29He thought he was hit.
10:30Holmgren the rebound.
10:31Here come the thunder.
10:33And Doncic bumps Gilgis Alexander.
10:36Helps him right up.
10:39First foul on Luka Doncic.
10:42And Shea, look, he doesn't even bring the other hand over.
10:45That's so impressive.
10:46Even with that contact from Luka.
10:49You see this.
10:50It has such control over able to float it over DeAndre Ayton.
10:54That's so difficult.
10:55But I want to talk about Luka's foul there.
10:57It feels like he gets fouled on one end and then he stops there
11:00and he gets that silly first foul.
11:02You've got to protect your first foul if you're Luka.
11:04Mason Wallace, left-hander, goes over the backboard, out of bounds.
11:11And we'll have our first timeout.
11:12We're five minutes in.
11:13Doncic not happy.
11:14Class of their own so far this season.
11:20Both OKC and the Los Angeles Lakers, they've gotten off to great starts
11:24thanks to large part to the play of their superstar guards.
11:26But for the Los Angeles Lakers, health, it could be on the way here.
11:31Because earlier today, LeBron James, our shop, Sharanya, reported he participated in his first
11:36five-on-five practice here with the Lakers' G League affiliate here.
11:41This was his first five-on-five since he's been diagnosed with sciatica.
11:45Remember that nerve pain on his right side?
11:47And LeBron has been targeting a mid-November debut.
11:50And guess what?
11:51We're already there.
11:52If he continues to progress without setback, he can join the Lakers when they return from
11:55this five-game road trip.
11:57And the first possible game we could see James Mike is November 18th against Utah.
12:02And Malika, it will start his 23rd, record 23rd NBA season.
12:07He's going to be 41 in December.
12:09J.J. Redick and the team has done a great job.
12:12Obviously, they're 8-3 without LeBron James.
12:14They're 3-1 in games without LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
12:19And that man is a big part of that.
12:21Austin Reeves has been spectacular.
12:24That one won't go.
12:25Gildas Alexander, the rebound.
12:30SGA tied up, finds Holmgren.
12:34Holmgren, the fake, draws a foul.
12:37Aiton swats it away, but free throws for Holmgren who grabs his right shoulder.
12:40And that was created by that penetration by Shea on the left side.
12:44And you saw great help that time by Rui Hachimura on the baseline.
12:48But the entire defense had collapsed to the lane.
12:50So on the closeout, DeAndre Aiton is so aggressive to try to get to that shot.
12:55Nice pump fake by Chad Holmgren to get him off his feet.
12:58First foul on Aiton Holmgren has already missed more shots tonight than he did all of last night.
13:03He missed his first shot last night against Golden State.
13:06Nine for nine from the field, including both of his threes, all of his free throws.
13:10A perfect shooting night, a 23-point game.
13:13He has been superb this season.
13:15He's been superb.
13:16Even last year, going back to last year, I thought he was headed towards his first All-Star game.
13:20The record was there.
13:21The numbers were there.
13:22He gets injured.
13:23And then obviously J-Dub takes it over and gets his first All-Star game.
13:27Now J-Dub is out.
13:29And Chet Holmgren, he has had an outstanding start.
13:31Now somebody's got blood somewhere, so Tony Brothers blows the whistle, but it'll attend
13:36to him quickly.
13:39Tony Brothers, the crew chief tonight here in OKC.
13:43We're getting minus Petritus and Robert Hussey.
13:45There's Tony.
13:46Now Tony's in his 32nd season.
13:48He's the second longest tenured ref.
13:50He's going to retire in a year or two.
13:53And you know what?
13:53You know what?
13:54You promise?
13:54You promise?
13:55You know what?
13:56He's already said publicly what he's going to do, because he's from Norfolk, Virginia.
13:59What is he going to do?
14:00He's going to run for mayor of Norfolk.
14:02Okay.
14:03That's right.
14:03I'll just say you promise.
14:05Are you going at Tony Brothers right now?
14:07Yeah.
14:07It sounds like you're going at Tony a little bit.
14:08Me and Tony have had an outstanding relationship since I was a rookie.
14:12He's one of the best in the business, but he'll talk a little trash with you.
14:14So if you lived in Norfolk, he does not get your vote for mayor?
14:17Is that what you're saying?
14:18Nice move from eight and a foul.
14:21He wants an endorsement from you.
14:22Beautiful pass, meanwhile.
14:26Yeah, Luka.
14:26I mean, this is what he does.
14:28Head is always up.
14:29Best thing about him, he's got the size to make any pass on the court.
14:33Sometimes that means going over the top.
14:35We saw that earlier with the cross court, skip pass for a three.
14:38Sometimes it's going around the defense, which he does right there.
14:41Perfect delivery for eight and makes it easy for him.
14:44Gildos Alexander with the foul.
14:45But you look from watching Aiton in his first year here and the expectations.
14:52What have you seen from him that you like?
14:54I think he has been outstanding.
14:56Sometimes you can be in a situation where your role is simplified.
14:59They're not asking him to be anything other than who he is.
15:03To be a rim runner, a shot blocker, rebounder.
15:06He's been 16 and 10 over his entire career.
15:09And he's just continuing that with a little bit more energy, in my opinion.
15:13Dick Laravius, come on.
15:17Mitchell makes his move.
15:19Goes right at Laravia.
15:20Pulls up from the elbow and nails it.
15:21He's already three for four from the field.
15:25He is one of the early stories in his NBA season on the huge growth.
15:34Laravia spins right into Hartenstein.
15:37Aiton right there to help out.
15:38But Holmgren picks up the errant pass.
15:40Four turnovers already for the Lakers.
15:42Gilders, Alexander, baseline.
15:55Arabia, one of the new Lakers, who's also had an impact,
15:58had to start a bunch of games because of various injuries.
16:04Dodic.
16:06Rebound, Mitchell.
16:07Mitchell, last year, didn't play a lot during the regular season.
16:14He had toe surgery, broke his toe, now fires away again.
16:17Not that time.
16:18Rebound deflected.
16:20Last touch by Laravia.
16:21New 14 on the shot block for OKC.
16:24And A.J. Mitchell is so impressive because he's got such a strong base.
16:28He's always on balance.
16:29You see how he'll get his head and shoulders low
16:32to get you to drive back on his penetration?
16:35But he knows that he can stop on a dime.
16:37It certainly has paid off playing against a guy like Shea Gilgis-Alexander
16:40in practice to learn how to stop on a dime the way that he does.
16:44The rich get richer.
16:46New member of the rotation.
16:47New member of the starting lineup.
16:49And he has been excellent.
16:51Shot clock at seven.
16:53Hildas-Alexander finds Wallace.
16:54Kaysen Wallace launches a three.
16:56Way off.
16:57Long rebound out to Laravia.
16:58Jalen Williams in the game, trying to help out.
17:08Hachimora can't get that field.
17:09Vanderbilt tried to save it, but it hit the baseline.
17:12I know Rui missed that shot.
17:16But one of the reasons why Luka is so elite, he's looking at where the help is coming from.
17:21He gets into that paint.
17:23He's already hit him multiple times once Chet has snuck in a little bit.
17:27Auburn wide open.
17:28Hits the three.
17:2937% from downtown on the season.
17:3537% every year.
17:37He's so consistent with that, and that's the dilemma.
17:40If you want to throw an extra body at Shea, the way Chet is shooting the ball on those pick-and-pops,
17:45that is a long recovery on the weak side of the floor.
17:48And this is what?
17:49They're going to mix up coverage, but right here you see Shea draws two.
17:53That's too far for Luka to cover, and Chet Honga gets a wide-open look.
17:57It's been a 15-point turnaround.
18:00Lakers opening minute had a five-point lead, now trail by 10.
18:05Aiton, not a good entry pass from Dantic.
18:09The velocity of his passes I'm always marveling at because it matters.
18:14It means the defense has a half-account less time to get over and recover and make a play on their help.
18:22Isaiah Joe in with Jalen Williams.
18:25Gildas Alexander, a little hesitation.
18:30Borabia trying to stay with him.
18:32Shot clock winding down, a kickball.
18:34So they reset the shot clock to 14.
18:36Well, watch this slip out.
18:37This was a miscommunication.
18:39That's why there's two on the ball.
18:40And Luka does a good job.
18:42If he leaves the corner, there's nobody there to go help.
18:46You do not want to give up corner three.
18:47So it's a tough spot for Luka to be in, but that's the right shot if you want to give up.
18:52It starts at the top.
18:53They've got to have communication.
18:55Vanderbilt and Rui, that needs to be a switch.
18:58Van favorite.
18:58Alex Caruso checks in.
19:00Holmgren will sit.
19:03Caruso missed four games.
19:05That's the other thing.
19:05He's OKC, not only Jalen Williams, but Luke Dortz missing his sixth game.
19:10Isaiah Joe.
19:12Or Wiggins also missed a bunch of games.
19:16Caruso right off the bench.
19:18First time he touches the ball.
19:20It's amazing.
19:21His plus minus is off the charts.
19:23And he hasn't had a double-figure scoring game all season.
19:27And Dacic looking at Tony Brothers right now after picking up his second on an illegal screen.
19:36Yeah, I mean, this is just going to be a bonus for Alex Caruso,
19:39and he shoots this at a pretty good rate when he gets in rhythm.
19:42But he's the number one individual defensive-rated player in the league
19:46and now also giving you supplemental offense.
19:49He was a playoff star on the road to the title last year for OKC.
19:55Nice fake goes inside.
19:58And Vanderbilt did an excellent job contesting and altering that shot.
20:02Dacic, the runner, draws a foul, banks it home, a one.
20:06We'll take a timeout.
20:07There's Luka Dacic with his third field goal.
20:10Lakers down nine.
20:14The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
20:19Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
20:22And in part by the...
20:23Welcome back, NBA Wednesday, presented by State Farm.
20:26Luka Dacic talked about an historic start, averaging 37 a game.
20:30He's almost scored as many points as the minutes he's played.
20:34It was actually even when tonight's game started.
20:36Only one man in the history of the NBA had more points than minutes for a season.
20:41That's an easy one.
20:44The great Will Chamberlain.
20:45Joel Embiid came close a few years back.
20:48It's crazy that you called both seasons, Mike.
20:52Teed it right up.
20:54It was a very memorable season as well.
20:59Isaiah Joe.
20:59Goes with Alexander.
21:06Step back.
21:07His three won't go.
21:08Jackson Hayes is in the game.
21:11Brandon Carlson getting some minutes tonight.
21:13Carlson's only played 42 minutes so far on the season.
21:16Second-year big man.
21:20Vanderbilt hands off.
21:21Caruso pokes it away.
21:25Dacic deflected.
21:27Caruso.
21:27That's five turnovers for the Lakers already.
21:29Isaiah Joe gets inside.
21:31Finds Caruso.
21:32Nobody near him, so he shoots and scores.
21:36Caruso off the bench already.
21:38Five points and a steal.
21:40Dacic.
21:45Gaylor Williams the rebound.
21:51Once again, the Thunder defense.
21:54The number one story right now.
21:55Let's go just Alexander.
21:57Knocks down his second three.
21:59Well, you live with it.
22:00You live with it if you're the Lakers.
22:01And he's making that shot.
22:03It's going to be a long night for anybody.
22:05That's the one you're going to have to force him to take
22:07and get a hand up and hope.
22:10J.J. might want to time out soon if they can't get this together.
22:14115 left.
22:17Laravia.
22:18Well defended by Gildress Alexander.
22:20Carlson lost the rebound.
22:22But a foul is called.
22:25Laravia called for the loose ball foul.
22:29Yeah, look, SGA is going to get into this step back three.
22:32And there's just not a lot you can do.
22:34Jake Laravia is in a good spot.
22:35He could test it.
22:36That's almost hand on hand.
22:37But he makes it.
22:38But this one here.
22:39Alex Caruso has already won this possession
22:41because he forced Luka out to half court with eight seconds on the clock.
22:45It led to the entire rhythm being thrown off of that ball screen and dive
22:49and another Lakers turnover.
22:51Lakers in the zone.
22:53Isaiah Joe.
22:54That three won't go.
22:55Vanderbilt goes high for the rebound.
22:57The turnovers, big story.
23:02Six turnovers for the Lakers.
23:04Thunder have not turned it over yet.
23:06Final minute opening quarter.
23:11Dacic trying to find room.
23:14Caruso plays him beautifully.
23:16Kildas Alexander gets in the paint.
23:23Jalen Williams.
23:26And Vanderbilt another rebound.
23:27Remember, OKC without maybe the best defender to try and guard Doncic.
23:32Lou Gord is not playing tonight.
23:35Doncic so far three of eight.
23:36Seven points, three assists.
23:39Vanderbilt kicks it out.
23:40Reeves has yet to score, and that ends right there.
23:45Nice bucket from Reeves.
23:49Shot clock turned off.
23:51Caruso on the drive.
23:53Stolen by Doncic.
23:55Fires at three quarters court.
23:57And just a little bit short.
24:00Thunder defense.
24:02The story here in the first quarter.
24:04Plus ten points for Gildas Alexander.
24:06Off to a hot start.
24:08Two of the top scorers in this league.
24:11Both guys getting it done.
24:13But OKC on topper.
24:15It's time now for tonight's access.
24:17Brought to you by Lincoln.
24:18Here with Lakers DeAndre Ayton.
24:20DeAndre, the turnovers.
24:22How do you get them a little bit more under control?
24:24Practice and discipline so that it doesn't fuel Oklahoma City's runs here.
24:28Mainly not getting deflated.
24:29You know, it's a home game.
24:30It's pretty loud in here.
24:31We started off pretty slow.
24:33But I think we're getting back together to our togetherness
24:35and just keeping the game on the impact.
24:37DeAndre, how do you find a rhythm, particularly with Luka sort of headed to the bench here
24:41in this second quarter?
24:42I mean, really just trying to set as much screens to get AR open if Luka is sitting down.
24:46And just keeping that encouragement, again, stops on defense to create our offense.
24:50I appreciate the time, DeAndre.
24:51Thank you so much.
24:52Thank you.
24:52Mike, back to you.
24:53All right, Malika.
24:54He's a good interviewer, DeAndre Ayton.
24:57No, he's sharp.
24:58He went to a good school, good education.
25:00Proud of him.
25:01Well, that's a person with many mistakes tonight by me.
25:05Up top for Reeves.
25:06Reeves fires away, trying to get himself going.
25:09Comes up short.
25:10Shot clock was winding down.
25:11Caruso comes the other way.
25:12And then, look at his set of screens.
25:23Holmgren.
25:24Reeves on him.
25:26Smart looking to help.
25:29Reeves gets the rebound.
25:34Guzman Zhang in the game right now.
25:36Reeves blocked by Holmgren.
25:37Second block of the game.
25:39Here comes Caruso.
25:42Mitchell walks into a three.
25:43Nails it.
25:44And a foul.
25:46Once again, the defense leads to opportunities at the other end.
25:51And the lead is ballooned to 15.
25:52Really incredible if you think about, you know, missing Jalen Williams here to start the year.
25:57So you go to A.J. Mitchell.
25:58He's getting all of this, you know, extended minutes.
26:01Man, has he taken advantage of it.
26:02He's been great defensively.
26:04But more importantly, giving you almost 18 points a night.
26:07He's just so comfortable right now.
26:09So confident.
26:11OKC utilizing him.
26:13He's their third leading scorer.
26:15Again, Jalen Williams hasn't played a game.
26:17And those numbers might come down once he comes back in.
26:19Because he's one of their key scorers.
26:21But he is playing with such confidence.
26:26Jackson Hayes whips a pass inside.
26:28Blocked but a foul.
26:30Holmgren saying, no way.
26:31So Mitchell in his second year, one of the, again, interesting stories.
26:40Young man who was a second-round pick.
26:42Born in Belgium.
26:43Moved to Paris when he was about 17.
26:44So played a little bit with Wemby.
26:46His three seasons at UC Santa Barbara.
26:48His junior season, he was terrific.
26:51Conference Player of the Year.
26:52Average 20 a game.
26:53But Sam Preston when he picked him.
26:55Actually was picked by the Knicks and then traded.
26:57He has turned into a terrific player.
26:59Mark Dagnall likes to say that he's going to make me look bad.
27:04Because critics will say, why wasn't he playing more earlier?
27:08Well, the reason why he wasn't playing earlier is because he had that injury.
27:12And then their team was in such a good rhythm going into the postseason
27:15that he didn't want to mess it up.
27:17But ultimately, Mitchell is a legitimate point guard in this league.
27:21And it's been so impressive to watch his growth from game to game, really.
27:25He can initiate the offense.
27:28He can shoot the three, drive to the bucket.
27:29And his defense, excellent as well.
27:31Chang hands off to Hartenstein.
27:33Caruso, high-hawking three.
27:36All batted off the backboard.
27:38Here comes Reeves.
27:42Marcus Smart.
27:44Backs in.
27:45Mitchell pulled the chair out from underneath him.
27:47It's still going to be Laker balls.
27:49We check back with Malika.
27:50Mike, you were talking about A.J. Mitchell.
27:52And for him, the NBA wasn't just the dream.
27:54It was specifically playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
27:58Because that photo on your screen, yeah, that's a seven-year-old A.J. Mitchell
28:01going to basketball camp in a number 35 Kevin Durant jersey.
28:06And when he was drafted, and by the way, the Thunder,
28:08they made two trades in order to be able to get him.
28:11His best friend sent him that picture,
28:13reminding him that this is a full-circle moment playing for OKC, Mike.
28:16How cool is that?
28:17I think it's a manifestation.
28:19I don't even think it's just full-circle.
28:21That's a beautiful thing to see.
28:23They're all nice passing side.
28:25Hachimura got Holmgren up in the air.
28:26That's going to be two fouls on Holmgren.
28:28And Rui Hachimura will shoot.
28:35Hachimura, another key player in terms of with players out with injuries for the Lakers.
28:41Still 8-3.
28:41Hachimura is a very big part of that.
28:43Donchich was raving about him the other day.
28:46This is the first, though.
28:47National TV schedule brought to you by ESPN Bet, official sportsbook of ESPN.
28:52NBA TV tomorrow.
28:53Cleveland hosting Toronto.
28:55Prime video Friday.
28:56Knicks host the Heat.
28:57Warriors in San Antonio.
28:59And NBA TV Saturday, Memphis and Cleveland.
29:02Lakers will finish up their trip in Milwaukee.
29:05They do go to New Orleans prior to that.
29:07Holmgren's going to sit with the two fouls.
29:0913-point lead.
29:21Thunder won their first eight games, then lost by two to Portland as Hartnstein throws it down.
29:28Well, that was such a quick hitter off that two-man screen.
29:31The weak side for the Lakers just wasn't set and ready to rotate on what should have been an obvious action for them to rotate, too.
29:39Smart.
29:41Can't hit the three.
29:42Hartnstein initiates the break.
29:46Jang fakes.
29:48He's been getting some fairly regular minutes.
29:50Pulls up.
29:50Shot is good.
29:52Another of the young players.
29:54Hard to crack the rotation with this team.
29:56How many young players do they have?
29:58It's so impressive to watch.
29:59And J.J. wants to talk it over, understandably.
30:02Uzman Jang playing about 11 minutes a game.
30:06Nails his first shot attempt.
30:10Now that you talked about it, that weak side wasn't ready.
30:13It's a quick hitter in transition.
30:15You better have your defense set.
30:17And they might have got away with one there.
30:18Lakers in a 17-point hole.
30:28Two-and-a-half gone by here in the second.
30:31Lakers won six of their last seven games.
30:33Right now playing against the best defense in the NBA.
30:36Eight and foul on the entry pass.
30:38Hartnstein will pick up his first foul.
30:45So side out.
30:46That's three team fouls for OKC.
30:48And Mike, the problem for the Lakers, it's such a contrast in styles.
30:51They have to score in the paint.
30:53And no one defends it better than OKC.
30:55So how do the Lakers crack that code?
30:59Jump ball.
31:01As the shot was blocked as LaRavia went up.
31:03So they'll jump it at the free throw line circle of L.A.
31:11Boy, Caruso, he is just a menace.
31:14What do you got in this, Lex?
31:16I got LaRavia.
31:17I'll take Caruso.
31:18I got LaRavia, man.
31:19I'll take Caruso.
31:20No, listen, LaRavia, he's going to be, he's going to, it's about timing.
31:23I think Caruso's got a higher vertical, but LaRavia's going to time this up.
31:26He's got a little more size.
31:31I think LaRavia actually hit that ball over there.
31:34No, no, no.
31:35I can't blame his teammate for not going after it.
31:37This is OKC possession.
31:38Oh, Mitchell, a Hartnstein.
31:40A perfect connection, and it's a 19-point lead.
31:46Mitchell, not just 10 points, got a couple of assists, a steal.
31:49Reeves gets inside, blocked from behind, but a lot of contact, so Reeves will shoot three throws.
32:01This is incredible here.
32:02A.J.
32:03Mitchell really lost his balance, but still had the presence to concentrate and put this basketball
32:09exactly where it needed to be placed.
32:11And you can see the Lakers just small along the baseline with Aiton out on the perimeter helping.
32:17He's got a seven-footer in his vision, and he still made it the perfect spot.
32:24Reeves just one of five, gets the free throw.
32:27Doncic is going to come back in.
32:31Doncic right now, he's starting this with two fouls.
32:33We talked about that first foul he got, kind of unnecessary.
32:36Now he's coming in here with nine minutes to go, teamed down by 18, and he's got two fouls.
32:44So he's got to be extremely careful, because if he gets that third foul, that could put his team in a tough spot.
32:49I agree.
32:50That's a finable offense if I'm a head coach.
32:53If I've got a guy on that level that takes a, you know, give up foul at half court, halfway through the first quarter,
32:59In the first quarter, yeah.
33:00Can't do it.
33:05Mitchell.
33:06Off the bounce, the runner, short.
33:09Doncic with the rebound.
33:10Doncic also averaging nine boards, nine assists, in addition to 37 points.
33:16Mitchell almost forced that turnover.
33:19Doncic grimacing as he gets up.
33:21Reeves gets inside, pulls up, shot is no good.
33:24Caruso the rebound.
33:25Mitchell, the crossover, beautiful move inside, flips it up, won't go, rebound, tip to Reeves.
33:40Caruso comes from behind, knocks him down and takes the steal.
33:43Here's home group.
33:46Caruso, three-pointer, puts it in.
33:49Alex Caruso off the bench with a bunch of highlights.
33:54He was shot out of a cannon on that recovery and transition.
33:59Didn't even see him coming from the right side and then hits the three on the other, ready to cap that sequence off.
34:05Doncic gets in, comes up short, gets his rebound, foul, shot no good.
34:10And Mitchell will pick up his second personal.
34:14I mean, this is what this guy's about.
34:17And Austin Reeves thinks he's got an opportunity here to go one-on-one against Isaiah Joe on the open floor.
34:24But Caruso's having none of it.
34:26That's just a dead sprint, making a play on the ball and then caps it off by just trailing into this three, demoralizing for the Lakers on both ends.
34:35Eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in eight minutes for Caruso.
34:42Well, that's what he does.
34:43He's just an energy player.
34:45And what I love, it is not just a player that accepts his role, but accepts his role with enthusiasm.
34:51That's what Alex Caruso does.
34:53And he gives the ball up, gets it back.
34:55Look, defense always leads to offense.
34:58He's the oldest guy on the team.
34:59He's 31 years old.
35:01Now two rings.
35:02Of course, he won the first ring with the Lakers.
35:05In the bubble in 20-20.
35:10Jalen Williams.
35:18Mitchell leans in.
35:20Eight and avoids a foul.
35:22Mitchell can't hit that one.
35:23Hachimura, quick outlet.
35:29Marcus Smart.
35:31Fouls into Isaiah Joe.
35:32When he's a play on.
35:33Holmgren.
35:35With the rebound.
35:39Holmgren showing his handle.
35:41Spins.
35:41Shot.
35:42Got it.
35:43That's a seven-footer making that move.
35:47If you're J.J. Redick right now, what is your message to your team?
35:50I'll tell you what, if you're J.J. Redick right now, you might think about getting a couple
35:54of tees and getting on out of here.
35:56They're getting throttled right now.
35:58Look, it's a long way to go.
35:59But there's nothing right now is coming easy for the Lakers.
36:02On this end of the floor, everything is just a slog against that activity level in the paint.
36:08And then on the other end of the floor, everything OKC is doing is in rhythm.
36:12Look at Chet right here.
36:18And he just knows at the end of this, he's just bigger than Hachimura.
36:22So it's a pretty good job by Hachimura cutting off the penetration.
36:25Time's up to contest fairly well.
36:27But Chet Holmgren is just too long for Hachimura to really contest that.
36:32Seven points for Holmgren.
36:33Next Wednesday, NBA on ESPN doubleheader.
36:36Rockets will be in Cleveland, taking on the Cavs at 7 Eastern.
36:40Knicks and Mavericks from Dallas.
36:42NBA Countdown crew tips off coverage from L.A.
36:45At 6.30 Eastern, speaking of the Mavericks.
36:47Someone with Luka Doncic is thinking about what happened down in Dallas
36:52with Nico Harrison being fired.
36:54Honestly, I don't really care what happened to any of my exes.
36:57To tell you the truth.
36:59Wish him all the best.
37:00You're such a forgiving person.
37:02I am.
37:02I wish him all the best, but I don't care what happens.
37:04I'm focused on where I'm at now.
37:06Mitchell, once again, a little pump fake.
37:0812 first-half points for A.J. Mitchell.
37:11How does this guy go into the second round of the draft?
37:16Reeves poked away.
37:19This is a defensive clinic here on the first half.
37:22Isaiah Joe scoots in and banks it home.
37:25And the one thing you cannot do against this team is turn the ball over.
37:29Everybody knows that going in.
37:30Easier said than done.
37:32That's already eight turnovers for the Lakers.
37:34That's eight possessions.
37:35You don't even get an attempt against the number one defense in the league.
37:39They have 26 points, and we've played 18 minutes.
37:47Donchick has to take a tough shot.
37:50Jalen Williams boxes out, but Aiden does an excellent job getting it.
37:53Laravia trying to find the range.
37:56Here comes A.J. Mitchell.
38:00It's inside.
38:02Back to Williams.
38:04Out to Wallace.
38:06Holmgren off the bounce.
38:08And a foul before the shot.
38:10Aiden is going to pick up the personal.
38:12Well, they have the best point differential in the league.
38:17They're beating opponents by almost 15 points a game.
38:20This is coming off of playing in a game seven, a long postseason.
38:24And then you come in here, and you're beating everybody by an average of 15 points.
38:28And they've had multiple double overtime games.
38:31So they've had games that have been close.
38:33That means if you take those games out, they might be beating opponents by an average of 18, 19 points, Legs.
38:42Wallace lobs it in.
38:45Smart trying to fight off the 7-1.
38:47Holmgren, shot clock winding down.
38:50Williams a fake.
38:50Step back, three-pointer.
38:53Here comes Donchick.
38:55And we hit five minutes remaining in the first half.
38:57Donchick alley-oop to Aiden, but he couldn't finish.
39:00That was a heck of a pass in a crowd.
39:06Crossover.
39:07Ooze from the crowd.
39:09Gilgis Alexander scoops it in.
39:12And a turnover number 10.
39:16This is a bludgeoning year in the first half.
39:24Well, you've seen it all from him.
39:25He's gotten to the rim.
39:27He's gone to his step back three, and this is one you don't see very often.
39:31He tries to go to that up fake.
39:33He gets calls on that a lot.
39:35But that time, he had to go to a scoop shot at the end.
39:41Timeout.
39:42OKC.
39:4425-point lead for the defending champs.
39:47Our assist of the game brought to you by State Farm.
39:53I want you to watch this defense and understand that it is the second night of a back-to-back.
39:58They played last night, and look at how they swarmed.
40:02It is so difficult.
40:03They're holding the league's leading scorer to eight points so far here in this first half, legs.
40:08Well, there's just no space to be had anywhere, and there's always help.
40:11Whether it's dribble penetration, that's on LaRavia on the spin.
40:14We already talked about this incredible hustle play by Caruso right there.
40:19A.J. Mitchell over the top of the screen.
40:21That's a lot of want-to.
40:23Right now, you're seeing the best team in the league play at their highest level.
40:27Lakers don't have a field goal in the second quarter.
40:31Williams to Holmgren.
40:33Miscommunication there.
40:34Smart and Achimaru looking at each other.
40:37And the lead up to 27.
40:40Lakers have just eight free throws made here in this quarter.
40:4423-8 is the score here in the second quarter.
40:50Dacic up top.
40:51A little sidestep.
40:58And it's still going to be Laker ball.
41:06Just great physical smothering defense.
41:12Dangerous pass.
41:13Smart able to get it.
41:14Has to put it up.
41:15Shot clock widening down and knocks down the three.
41:17That's their first field goal now here in the second.
41:19And that felt like a relief for the Lakers.
41:22And think about what they just went through to get points on the board.
41:25Really a desperation shot by Marcus Smart with the clock winding down.
41:29Isaiah Joe comes right back with an answer.
41:31It's a little bit easier.
41:32Several feet behind the arc.
41:33Yeah, it's a little bit easier on that OKC side right now.
41:37Lakers are having to work and shoot shots at the end of the clock.
41:40OKC's just stepping into them.
41:43Achimura.
41:44Holmgren out to contest.
41:45Backs in, spins, layup.
41:49Can't get it too strong.
41:52And SGA comes the other way.
41:57Quick release.
41:57Isaiah Joe.
41:59Knocked out of bounds.
42:01And it's going to stay at this end.
42:02Yeah, I mean, we talked about the difficulties of the Lakers getting open shots.
42:06I mean, this is what they relied on on that last trip.
42:08Everything you have there at the end of the clock.
42:11And then what does Oklahoma City do to let you celebrate that?
42:14They take about five seconds.
42:16And they answer that three with one of these.
42:18A simple pitch and catch.
42:20And Isaiah Joe in rhythm.
42:25Isaiah Joe off the bounce.
42:27Nice feet inside.
42:28Harnstein can't get it right there.
42:30No whistle.
42:31On the initial shot attempt.
42:33That's three fouls on DeAndre Ayton.
42:39I know we talked about it briefly.
42:40This is a team that led the league all year long last year.
42:45They go to a game seven of the NBA Finals.
42:48They're the defending champions.
42:49And what do they do?
42:50They start the season the way they are right now,
42:53dominating the rest of the league in impressive fashion.
42:57Again, they won their first eight games
42:59and then lost at Portland by two.
43:02is now on another three-game winning streak.
43:05And they've done it all without that man
43:08who was All-NBA third team last year.
43:10NBA All-Defense second team.
43:12One of the best two-way players in the game.
43:15And they're 11-1.
43:16And you think the game they lost at Portland,
43:18they were up 20 in that game.
43:20And they were up by a bucket with five minutes to go.
43:23Or they're 12-0 right now sitting here tonight.
43:27Although they did win in double overtime
43:29in each of their first two games.
43:31Sanchich gets inside
43:32and draws the foul.
43:39Something's bothering him there.
43:40I think he got hit on the hand.
43:42Looks like that left thumb,
43:44he got raked down
43:45as he got into the lane,
43:47as you often do against Oklahoma City.
43:50Just look at the number of white jerseys
43:51around the basketball.
43:53And there you see,
43:54Kaysen Wallace comes down on that left hand pretty hard.
43:57Right away, he felt it.
44:00Wallace picks up his second.
44:01And he gets that one rolling around.
44:16We talk about this duo, Mike,
44:18being one of the best duos in the league,
44:19if not the best,
44:21the way Austin Reeves has played.
44:22They are four for 17 tonight
44:25in this first half.
44:27No one, I think, saw that coming,
44:29especially with OKC off of back-to-back.
44:32Kaysen Wallace has missed three free throws tonight.
44:3927-point lead with three minutes to play here in the second.
44:42Lakers have just 30 points.
44:44Gildas Alexander pulls up,
44:46puts it in.
44:46He's got 14.
44:54Hachimura's got Caruso on him.
44:56He's thinking it's a mismatch.
44:59Goes inside.
45:00Good, aggressive move from Rui Hachimura.
45:07Six points, four boards for Hachimura.
45:10Lakers just want to try and cut into this lead
45:12before halftime.
45:13Caruso flips it up and in.
45:15Not much resistance there.
45:21Ten points and ten minutes off the bench.
45:23Caruso,
45:24and there yet another turnover,
45:26the 11th for the Lakers,
45:27only one for OKC.
45:30And I think that one really,
45:32as Isaiah Joe makes them pay once again
45:34off the turnover,
45:35but I think that last steal by Hachimura
45:38and Oklahoma City made that steal,
45:41that kind of sums them up.
45:42They concede absolutely nothing
45:44defensively.
45:46They've doubled them up.
45:48Under two to play.
45:53Reeves goes hard.
45:55Boy, a lot of contact there.
45:57Reeves able still to make the bucket
45:58his second field goal.
46:00Killed this Alexander, shot won't go,
46:10but he'll shoot his first free throws
46:12of the game.
46:13And Shea just takes his time.
46:18He is the master of the midi.
46:20He gets to his spot,
46:21and it is automatic from 12-15.
46:24And then here on defense,
46:26slips out,
46:28gets that tip from behind.
46:29I thought Rui should have jumped up
46:30and secured that ball
46:32versus trying to hold his position.
46:34You can't turn around and look at the refs
46:36when you're playing against the defending champions.
46:37You've got to knock him out.
46:40You can't passively go after that basketball
46:41for Rui Hachimura.
46:42I'm sorry.
46:43That ball was delivered in an area.
46:45You've got a smaller guy on you.
46:47You have to go meet the ball
46:48with some aggression.
46:50That was a very passive stance
46:51that he took,
46:52and it just led to another opportunity
46:54for OKC to get out on the open floor.
46:56Guys, when you're in a game like this
46:57and you're getting pummeled,
46:59what's your thoughts
47:00if you're on the losing end right now
47:02as you go into a locker room?
47:0730's a lot against the defending champ.
47:09That's what I would say.
47:10J.J. hasn't called a lot of timeouts.
47:11He's letting his guys fight through this,
47:14and I won't say figure it out,
47:15but just understanding
47:16what a great team does right now
47:18in Oklahoma City.
47:19I'm going to say cut this thing.
47:21Well, you don't have a lot of time to cut it.
47:23It's just got to figure it out
47:24in the second half.
47:26Dodgetts splits the defense,
47:27gets inside, sidestep.
47:30Nice soft touch.
47:31Remember that Lakers are,
47:33they're going against
47:34the best defensive team
47:36in the NBA.
47:40But for OKC to do this
47:41to a Laker team
47:42that's been playing
47:42terrific basketball this season,
47:44as Hartenstein flips it up and in.
47:47They're now shooting
47:4856% from the field,
47:50including eight three-pointers.
47:55Hachimura backing in.
47:57Side of the backboard
47:58and tipped up.
47:59Isaiah Joe looked like
48:01he tipped it in.
48:02You're not going to take
48:03that away from Rui.
48:05Are you kidding me?
48:06On a night like this,
48:07they'll take it anywhere
48:07they get it.
48:08They don't care
48:08if it bounced off
48:10somebody's head.
48:11They're ringing that up.
48:12They'll just go.
48:21Can't get it to go.
48:23Rebound Hachimura.
48:27About a six-second difference
48:28shot clock and game clock.
48:31Lakers shooting 35%
48:33from the field
48:33with 11 turnovers.
48:35Субтитры делал DimaTorzok
49:05Субтитры делал DimaTorzok
49:06Did you see how cool it was Kenny hanging out with his new teammate Kendrick Perkins a lot of fun seeing that the other day
49:12I think Charles might be a little jealous. I think Charles might be a little jealous and he's got a new best friend
49:17And he's working hard
49:23So Mitchell will take a seat 12 points to assist two steals
49:28Yolis Alexander the game's leading scorer
49:32Last year's MVP hearing this year's MVP chants
49:382.3 to get off a shot
49:43Donchich hoisted up
49:46And a disastrous first half for the Lakers Donchich
49:52And Marcus Smart talking to Tony Brothers
49:55That's not going to lead to anything good right now
49:58That's SGA in Oklahoma City
50:02Smothering defense big time shot making
50:05Halftime here in Oklahoma City
50:07Halftime here in Oklahoma City
50:08A 32 point lead for the defending champs
50:12Well now the first 24 minutes
50:23Something to see
50:26Beat down to his very last count
50:27It is 70 to 38 at the half
50:30In favor of the reigning champions
50:31Where's the king?
50:32Oklahoma City is under
50:33That's what we call belt of ass in the streets
50:37It's the halftime report presented by the Hyundai Palisade
50:40King better bring the whole G League with him
50:42What
50:44What
50:46King better bring the whole G League with him
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