Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance, scoring 36 points—15 of which came in a decisive fourth quarter—leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 101-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA Cup clash on Friday night. This marks the fifth occasion in the last six games where Gilgeous-Alexander has netted at least 30 points. Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 19 points, helping the Thunder secure their fourth consecutive victory.
On the other side, Dalton Knecht led the Lakers with 20 points, including five three-pointers, although the team has struggled recently, losing four out of their last five games. D’Angelo Russell added 17 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum in favor of Los Angeles.
The loss was particularly impactful for the Lakers, as they have now been eliminated from the possibility of advancing to the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup tournament, which they famously won last year. Currently, the standings in West Group B show the Thunder, Phoenix, and San Antonio all at 2-1, while the Lakers sit at 2-2.
Although the Lakers rallied within one point late in the game, a critical 3-pointer from Gilgeous-Alexander at 1:35 left on the clock helped the Thunder pull ahead 95-91, ultimately sealing the game. A key moment for the Lakers came when they attempted to make a comeback but turned the ball over four times in the fourth quarter, contributing to their downfall. In contrast, the Thunder tied a season high with 15 offensive rebounds and received an outstanding performance from Isaiah Hartenstein, who not only scored 11 points but also grabbed a season-best 18 rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will aim to continue their winning streak against Houston on Sunday, while the Lakers will seek to bounce back against Utah on the same day.
This match exemplifies the exciting competition in the NBA and highlights how even strong teams like the Lakers can face challenges. Nonetheless, both teams have opportunities to improve and build momentum as the season progresses, showcasing the unpredictable nature of professional basketball.