The Lakers faced an intense battle when they lost 133-110 to the Oklahoma Thunders, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading OCT to an impressive victory. The Thunders capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive weaknesses, consistently finding open shots and taking advantage of fast breaks.
| Table of Contents |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OCT to glory |
| Williams’ Supporting Role |
| How the game progressed |
| LeBron James’ Ongoing Excellence |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OCT to glory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unquestionably the night’s main attraction. He had an amazing ability to transition between slow-motion control and energizer bunny-like speed. This flexibility enabled him to lead the Thunder to victory with 33 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.
With just four minutes left to play, LA Lakers’ coach Darvin Ham made a strategic decision. He decided to give LeBron James, along with the other Lakers starters, some well-deserved rest. This move was a recognition of the Paycom Center’s tradition of witnessing incredible performances, and it allowed James and his teammates to recharge for future challenges.
The Lakers were shooting 44.7% from the field by halftime. The Thunder took advantage of fastbreak opportunities, scoring 26 fastbreak points on 11 of 17 attempts.
Williams’ Supporting Role
Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Lou Williams played a significant role. He provided valuable support, contributing 21 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
How the game progressed
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis struggled with post-ups, with 15 points in the first quarter. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Shai Williams, dominated the game, scoring 26 fastbreak points. The Lakers were shooting 44.7% from the field, while OKC’s lineups pinned down Davis near the rim. The Thunder’s aggressive play and strong shooting from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Shai Williams contributed to the Lakers’ struggles. With four minutes left, LA coach Darvin Ham gave James and his teammates rest.
LeBron James’ Ongoing Excellence
LeBron James, well recognized for his basketball skills, defies age and expectations. He is still a formidable force on the floor at the age of 38. Even the great LeBron James, however, needed appropriate rest to sustain his performance. Interestingly, in recent years, he has used his vacations to Oklahoma City to renew himself. Before this game, his most recent appearance in OKC was on December 10, 2021.
FAQs
Why did LeBron James need to rest during the game?
LeBron James, even at 38 years old, remains a dominant player. However, he requires rest to maintain his performance levels, and the game presented an opportunity for him to recharge.
What was the key moment in the game?
A pivotal moment came when Joe blocked Anthony Davis’ dunk attempt in the fourth quarter, thwarting a potential Laker comeback.
Who were the standout players for the Thunder?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, while Lou Williams provided crucial support with 21 points.
How did the Lakers perform in terms of shooting percentage?
At halftime, the Lakers were shooting at 44.7% from the field, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s fastbreak points.
Why did the Lakers’ coach give LeBron James and the starters rest towards the end of the game?
Coach Darvin Ham recognized the need to rest his key players and preserve their energy for future games, a tradition at the Paycom Center.