Lakers coach Frank Vogel was open and honest about his team blowing a 26-point lead in Wednesday’s road loss to the Thunder.
“We took our foot off the gas after that big first-quarter lead, which happens in the NBA. Usually, you can catch yourself and sustain it, but we weren’t able to do that,” he told reporters.
The reasons were many, and it wasn’t just because the Lakers were missing LeBron James for a second straight game. James is suffering from a sore ankle and the timing of his return remains questionable.
“Ball stopped moving side-to-side. I got to do a better job of making sure that our guys are moving side to side and our focus, intensity, effort on the defensive end, that slipped as well,” Vogel said.
He speaks about the truth about the Lakers’ defense. Through five games, it’s been historically bad.
“Disappointing loss, but a lesson learned,” Vogel said. “NBA season is a long season and a lesson for our group that you can’t ever take your foot off the gas against anyone.”
The Lakers (2-3) return home to face the red-hot Cavaliers on Friday.
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