OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 factors and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 133-110 on Thursday evening.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 11 of 18 subject objectives and 10 of 10 free throws. Jalen Williams scored 21 factors and Chet Holmgren added 18 for the Thunder, who have been coming off shut losses to Philadelphia and Minnesota.
“I thought it was an energy, work win tonight,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault mentioned. “I just thought we really exerted ourselves on the game and our defense – how we scrambled, our running. We were just fast tonight.”
Anthony Davis led Los Angeles with 31 factors and 14 rebounds. James had 21 factors, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the Lakers. He was a game-time determination with a left calf contusion.
Oklahoma City shot 53.2% from the sphere and dedicated solely 9 turnovers to enhance to 12-6.
“I really like my teammates, like genuinely,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “It’s a special group of guys, and I enjoy being around them. And then I prioritize winning, and you can’t win alone.”
PHOTOS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 33 as Thunder beat Lakers 133-110
The injury-plagued Lakers have had an up-and-down week. They misplaced to Philadelphia by 44 factors on Monday, then bounced again to defeat Detroit by 26 on Wednesday. Cam Reddish (proper groin soreness), Rui Hachimura (nasal fracture), Jaxson Hayes (left elbow soreness), Jarred Vanderbilt (left heel bursitis) and Gabe Vincent (swollen left knee joint) have been sidelined for Los Angeles.
“We knew this was going to be tough at the end of the road trip,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham mentioned. “Our guys fought to the best of their ability. You know, obviously, there’s some things we need to clean up and we could have done better. We tried our best under the circumstances.”
The accidents have made it tough for the Lakers to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
“I have no idea where we are,” James mentioned. “We don’t have a group yet. I know what some of us individually are.”
The Lakers led by 14 within the first quarter, however the Thunder took over within the second – outscoring the Lakers 42-23 – and led 72-60 at halftime.
“It starts on the defensive end, really playing as a unit, playing together and for each other, and then it kind of spirals into our offense,” Holmgren mentioned. “Everybody, when we get to that stage, that flow state, I guess – it really comes down to everybody playing confident. And not just themselves, but in others and playing for each other.”
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 factors earlier than the break, whereas Davis had 19 for the Lakers.
Oklahoma City prolonged its lead within the third quarter and took a 108-88 benefit into the fourth. Holmgren scored 10 factors on 4-for-5 taking pictures within the third.
The Thunder led by a minimum of 15 factors the remainder of the best way.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Host Houston on Saturday.
Thunder: At Dallas on Saturday.
