As the NBA playoffs loom, the LA Lakers leave a strong impression by overwhelmingly defeating Oklahoma City Thunder, holders of the league’s best record.
A clash of Western Conference titans between the leaders and the third-placed Lakers was decisively concluded in the first half, with Los Angeles sinking 15 three-pointers – a franchise record – to establish a commanding 78-56 lead at the end of the second quarter.
The Lakers maintained a firm grip on their substantial lead, cruising to a comfortable win that subdued the Thunder’s home crowd.
With this win, the Lakers moved closer to securing one of the four remaining automatic playoff spots in the West, joining already-qualified Oklahoma City and Houston.
The Lakers finished the game with a total of 22 three-pointers, attributed mostly to Doncic, who netted five. Austin Reaves contributed four three-pointers in his 20-point performance, while LeBron James scored 19 points.
Oklahoma City’s scoring was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who managed 26 points on an off-night for the Thunder. The team struggled on the field, shooting only 43 percent and converting just 12 out of 37 three-pointer attempts.
James credited the Lakers’ determination not to relent after a swift start against the Western Conference leaders.
“Between them and Cleveland, they’re the best teams in the NBA,” James stated. “They’re the no.1 team in the West, so you can’t let up, regardless of the score – they’re always going to make a push. That’s why they’re where they are at this stage of the season.
“So, it’s a really good win for us, and we can build upon it… we’re simply trying to refine our habits as we approach the season’s final stretch.”
Reaves considers the victory to be a positive omen for the last week of the regular season, which will conclude on April 13.
Six teams are vying for four playoff spots in the West, from the third-placed Lakers (48-30) down to the eighth-placed Memphis Grizzlies (46-32).
“It’s monumental,” Reaves remarked. “Given how tight the standings are, you can drop from third to eighth in an instant. To play as well against such a strong team as we did tonight is big. Hopefully we can carry this momentum forward.”
The teams are set to face off again on Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
In their defeat, the Thunder failed to reach 100 points for the first time since November 15.
