Recency bias may’ve taken over Shannon Sharpe’s line of considering. After the Los Angeles Lakers whooped the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Sunday, the previous All-Professional tight finish predicted who would win a playoff match between the 2.
“Tiebreakers, code breakers, windbreakers. Lakers in 5,” Sharpe mentioned.
Sharpe’s feedback aren’t stunning, as he has supported the Lakers the complete season. Nevertheless, one dangerous sport would not justify a declare of that kind.
In spite of everything, the Thunder have one of many prime offenses and defenses within the league. From a statistical perspective, they’re amongst the perfect. There’s a purpose they’re predicted to win the Western Convention.
Thunder’s MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a significant proponent of it. Additionally, head coach Mark Daigenault has been simply as impactful.
His offensive and defensive strategy has Oklahoma Metropolis being one of the crucial constant groups within the league. They’ve received probably the most quantity of video games by 15+ factors in a single season.
In the meantime, the Lakers have been elite since buying Luka Doncic. The staff is 20-11, and still have one of many prime offenses and defenses within the league.
Additionally they have LeBron James, who’s a grasp within the playoffs. The Thunder have expertise, however NBA Finals expertise may supersede that.
Shannon Sharpe thinks the Lakers might beat the Thunder
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The Lakers have the star energy benefit with Doncic and James. To not point out, Austin Reaves has been coming into his personal as an elite participant.
On the flip facet, Gilgeous-Alexander has arguably the deepest crew within the league. Guys like Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Hartenstein are all able to exploding for giant video games.
At each place, the Thunder have a solution. That is additionally not together with Chet Holmgren, who might very nicely be the X-factor for Oklahoma Metropolis.
Both manner, it’s only hypothetical and hasn’t occurred. Though it would occur, Thunder followers really feel {that a} collection with the Lakers will finish slightly swiftly.
Once more, the expertise that Doncic and James possess is unmatched, and one thing that goes a great distance within the playoffs. Each gamers have confirmed to excel and flip the change, by way of manufacturing.
It doesn’t matter what occurs, this would be the matchup within the Western Convention that many will look ahead to. Even Sharpe’s hype across the potential matchup has many individuals reacting.
It’s going to be worthy to see if the Thunder’s sustained success continues, or if they may fall sufferer within the 2025 NBA Playoffs.