OKC Thunder Welcomed to the Playoffs

The Oklahoman says Game 1 at Staples Center was a “dose of reality” for the young team, and attempts to temper its fans’ expectations for the rest of the series: “With the defense playing well, and Kevin Durant cold’s shooting, the knee-jerk reaction is the Thunder could steal Game 2 Tuesday night and all of a sudden steal home-court advantage. Could happen. After rallying from 17 points down to cut the deficit to six points, forcing Jack Nicholson and all those Hollywood stars to stay in their seats until the final buzzer, Game 2 has some intrigue. But here’s a dose of reality: The Lakers didn’t exactly bring their A game either and still won. The Thunder should play better Tuesday night. But so should Kobe Bryant and the Lakers … Post at least one win in the series and it’s a major building block for next season and beyond. Push the series to six games — which means there would be a third game April 30 in the Ford Center — and those sky blue Thunder flags popping up all over town will multiply like rabbits in November. But let’s wait until the Thunder posts at least one win before you start dreaming of winning three or four. The Thunder didn’t play well. But neither did the Lakers.”