The Los Angeles Lakers can thank their free-throw making abilities for keeping the game close and, ultimately, helping defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 99-96 in Game 3. Kobe Bryant had 36 points and was one of six Lakers in double figures.
All contributions were big, but none bigger than Steve Blake's and Ramon Sessions'. Both players had combined for nine points in the first two games. On a night that Andrew Bynum's offense was not all there, the two guards combined for 24 points.
Kobe Bryant went a perfect 15-15 from the free throw, becoming the third highest consecutive amount of free throws made by a player in the postseason. Last season, Dirk Nowitzki lit up the Heat with 24 consecutive free throws made in the NBA Finals. The Lakers were able to get to the line with Kobe leading the way. Out of the 42 free throws taken, only one was missed by Bynum.
In the closing seconds of this close ballgame, Kevin Durant took a three pointer from way beyond the line and barely missed. Serge Ibaka captured the rebound but went straight up instead of kicking the ball out to Westbrook, who looked to be open for a chance at another three.
If the Lakers would not have blown their Game 2 lead, this series would have looked completely different. The Lakers will look to tie the series 2-2 tonight as the Lakers and Thunder face off once again.
