Lakers can’t keep pace with Oklahoma City Thunder, 131-102

Oklahoma City Thunder 131 - Lakers 102 (end of regulation)

The Thunder got easy revenge on Thursday night, defeating the Lakers 131-102 in Oklahoma City.

On Sunday, the Lakers upset the Thunder 114-110, behind a career-high 42 points from Jodie Meeks.

Meeks led the Lakers with 19 on Thursday, but it wasn’t nearly enough to help the Lakers keep pace.

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant both scored 29 points to lead all scorers. Durant struggled through foul trouble in the third quarter, but Westbrook took over to give the Thunder a big lead.

Westbrook also had a game-high nine assists. Serge Ibaka neared a triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks. The Thunder shot 50.6% from the field while dominating the boards 60-37.

The Lakers shot well from three-point range, hitting 13-27 (48.1%) but made just 39.4% overall and missed 10 free throws (15-25).

Six Lakers scored in double figures including Kent Bazemore (16), Pau Gasol (14), Jordan Farmar (13), Ryan Kelly (12) and Wesley Johnson (10).

The Lakers (22-43) play again on Friday, visiting the San Antonio Spurs (48-16). The Thunder (48-17) are off until Sunday, hosting the Dallas Mavericks (39-27).

Thunder 101 - Lakers 77 (end of third quarter)

When Kevin Durant picked up his fourth foul less than two minutes into the third, the Lakers looked like they’d make it a game when he went to the bench.

Instead, Russell Westbrook took over, scoring 29 points in almost 23 1/2 minutes.

Former Lakers forward Caron Butler hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Thunder a 24-point lead after three quarters.

Jodie Meeks led the Lakers with 19 points. Ryan Kelly and Kent Bazemore each chipped in 12, but the Lakers shot just 38.9% from the field.

The Thunder shot 50.7% while dominating the boards, 44-28. Durant scored 17 while Serge Ibaka contributed 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks.

Thunder 60 - Lakers 46 (halftime)

The Thunder extended their lead over 20 before the Lakers pushed their deficit back down to 14 at the half.

Russell Westbrook led all scorers 14 points. Kevin Durant had 13, but picked up three fouls and a technical late in the half.

Oklahoma City shot 47.8% from the field and dominated the boards 33-16.

The Lakers shot 37.0% from the field, led by Ryan Kelly with nine points and four assists. Pau Gasol, Kent Bazemore and Kendall Marshall scored seven apiece.

Despite the deficit, the Lakers only had four turnovers in the first half. The Thunder committed seven.

Thunder 33 - Lakers 19 (end of first quarter)

The Thunder quickly jumped on the Lakers on Thursday night, pulling ahead by 14 points after a quarter in Oklahoma City.

Russell Westbrook scored 11 on 4-of-6 shooting to lead all scorers as the Thunder shot 56.5% from the field.

The Lakers struggled offensively, hitting just 30.8% of their shots. Ryan Kelly and Pau Gasol led the Lakers with five points apiece.

Jodie Meeks, who scored 42 against the Thunder on Sunday, scored just three points on 1-of-6 shooting.

Pregame

The Lakers (22-42) upset the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-17) on Sunday at Staples Center.

What are the chances the Lakers beat one of the best teams in the league two times in a row? Not high.

The Lakers will visit the Thunder on Thursday night, but they’ll do it without Nick Young (knee), Kobe Bryant (knee), Steve Nash (nerve root irritation) and Jordan Hill (knee).

The Thunder are still without Thabo Sefolosha (calf) and Kendrick Perkins (groin).

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Thunder

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.