In a dynamic matchup on Friday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers with a score of 101-93 in an NBA Cup game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star of the night, scoring 36 points, 15 of which came in a crucial fourth quarter that helped secure the victory. This marks the fifth time in the last six games that Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 30 points, showcasing his remarkable performance this season.
Jalen Williams contributed 19 points to the Thunder’s win, which extends their winning streak to four games. On the other side, Dalton Knecht was a standout for the Lakers with 20 points, including five three-pointers. Despite this effort, the Lakers have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games. D’Angelo Russell added 17 points coming off the bench, but the team’s performance fell short.
This loss also means that the Lakers, who were the champions of the inaugural NBA Cup tournament last year, have been eliminated from contention for the quarterfinals. Currently, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and San Antonio are all tied at 2-1 in West Group B, while the Lakers sit at 2-2.
The game had its moments of tension; the Lakers were within one point late in the fourth quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a critical three-pointer, pushing the Thunder ahead 95-91. With the game still within reach, the Lakers faltered, committing four of their 17 turnovers in the final quarter. A pivotal moment came when Austin Reaves’ errant pass was intercepted by Williams, leading to an easy dunk that solidified Oklahoma City’s lead at 99-93.
Isaiah Hartenstein also shone for the Thunder, recording 11 points and a season-high 18 rebounds, marking his fourth double-double of the season. The Lakers received notable contributions from Anthony Davis, who had 15 points and 12 rebounds, alongside LeBron James, who added 12 points.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will face off against Houston on Sunday, while the Lakers will take on Utah the same day.
This exciting game highlights the Thunder’s growing confidence and momentum in the league, while the Lakers will need to regroup and strategize as they push forward in the season. As the competition intensifies, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups ahead.