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Oklahoma City Thunder beat Los Angeles Lakers 125-107, lead series 2-0, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren score 22 each, Lakers hurt by 21 turnovers and injuries
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder 125-107 Los Angeles Lakers (AP)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 22 points each as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 on Thursday to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series. Despite an inspired performance from LeBron James in his milestone 300th playoff appearance, the Lakers were unable to withstand Oklahoma City’s relentless pressure and costly turnovers.
The Thunder capitalised on 21 Lakers turnovers and produced a dominant second-half display to maintain their unbeaten run in the postseason. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and again among the favourites for the award this season, was not at his most explosive but still made key contributions alongside Holmgren’s strong all-around effort, which included nine rebounds.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers – As It Happened
Ajay Mitchell added 20 points, while rookie Jaren McCain contributed 18 off the bench as Oklahoma City improved to 6-0 in the playoffs. The defending champions now head to Los Angeles full of confidence ahead of Games 3 and 4.
The Lakersmeanwhile, were once again hampered by the absence of Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined indefinitely with a strained hamstring. Jarred Vanderbilt was also unavailable after dislocating a finger in Game 1, further depleting the Lakers’ depth.
Austin Reaves responded strongly after a quiet opening game, pouring in 31 points on efficient shooting, while James added 23 points and six assists. The Lakers briefly appeared in control after taking a five-point lead early in the third quarter.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after Gilgeous-Alexander picked up his fourth foul during a collision with Reaves. Although the Oklahoma City star was sent to the bench after the review upgraded the play to a flagrant foul, the Thunder surged without him.
A stunning 32-15 third-quarter run turned the game decisively in Oklahoma City’s favour, highlighted by Jaylin Williams’ four-point play during a fast break orchestrated by Holmgren.
“We’ve got to be the aggressor,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I feel like they were playing with more force, they were attacking harder, making quicker decisions, playing with a better sense of urgency, especially in the first half.
“As long as we take care of that we should have our foot in the right direction.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick was unhappy with the officiating and remarked that the Thunder “have a few guys who commit a foul on every possession”.
But he added: “We didn’t lose because of the refs.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
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