Fouling Lakers' big men could be a winning strategy for Thunder

On paper, that's a tall task. Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic are no match for Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. But by committee, the Thunder has a real chance. And there is a strategy that could help the Thunder find success.

Fouling.

Smart and timely hacks might just make up for the Thunder's huge hole in the middle — not just tonight but also in a potential playoff rematch with the defending champs.

On any given night, the Thunder has 18 hard fouls to hand out from the center position. Krstic, Nick Collison and Byron Mullens are the current trio that is consistently on the active list. And someday, rookie center Cole Aldrich might join that group. But the Thunder also has an additional 12 fouls to fall back on from forwards Green and Serge Ibaka.

“It's important to use those fouls,” said Brooks. “But only use them as a last resort. That can't be your game plan. But if it helps you put them on the free throw line for two shots instead of a dunk, you have to do it. And our guys are understanding that it's really important to protect that basket.”

It turns into a numbers game.

The Lakers rank ninth in field-goal percentage at 46.7 percent. Gasol is currently at 51.5 percent. Bynum is converting 55.5 percent. Reserve forward Lamar Odom is connecting on 56.8 percent.

Those percentages skyrocket as the Lakers' front line gets closer to the rim. There, Gasol is shooting 69.5 percent, Odom is shooting 73.2 percent and Bynum is shooting 75.8 percent.