Back in LA for Game 5 and proof Barkley wrong again

Originally Published: Apr 27, 2010 2:27 PM CDT

Reporting from LA

Thoughts headed into what I believe is the game that determine who wins the Thunder-Laker series.

-The Thunder has captivated the nation so much that ESPN.com has poll results that give the Thunder a 40 percent chance of winning the seriesin fact 30 percent believe OKC will win in seven.
 
-The team with the home court advantage is 4-0 in the series and is clearly the dominant theme.

-I disagree with Chuck Barkley who says the pressure is on the Thunder more so than the Lakers. Kobe said it best when he said OKC is playing with “house money.”

- Being back in LA I can tell you the Thunder has made a major impression and that the people on the street believe the Lakers will lose Game 6 in OKC, thus meaning they would have to win both Games 5 and 7 in Staples.

-The Thunder is a year ahead of schedule. They remind me of the Dallas Cowboys of Jimmy Johnson who won a Bowl a year earlier than they expected to be in the playoff hunt.

-OKC and Dallas were led by a triumvirate of stars:  championship. OKC has Durant, Westrbook and Green. Dallas had Aikman, Smith and Irvin.

-Offseason move that could lead the Thunder to the NBA Finals next season: Add Dallas center Brendon Heywood. It’s possible.

-Prediction: I give OKC a 4 in 10 chance to win tonight’s Game 5.

Headed to Staples.hope you tune in to KWTV beginning at 4 Central. Regardless of tonight, I expect to travel back out here for Game 7!