With the NBA playoffs approaching, LA Lakers make a strong assertion by demolishing Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the staff with league’s greatest document.
Luka Doncic scored 30 factors because the Los Angeles Lakers produced a devastating show of long-range capturing to attain a shocking 126-99 blowout over the No.1 ranked Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
A heavyweight showdown between the Western Convention leaders and the third-placed Lakers was successfully settled within the first half, as Los Angeles rattled in 15 three-pointers – a franchise document – to open up a 78-56 lead on the finish of the second quarter.
The Lakers by no means seemed like surrendering that hefty double-digit cushion as they closed out a snug win to silence the Oklahoma Metropolis dwelling crowd.
The win noticed the Lakers edge nearer to securing one of many 4 remaining computerized playoff spots within the West after already-qualified Oklahoma Metropolis and Houston.
The Lakers poured in 22 three-pointers throughout the sport, with Doncic accountable for 5 of them. Austin Reaves had 4 three-pointers in his 20-point haul, whereas LeBron James added 19 factors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma Metropolis scoring with 26 factors on an off-night for the Thunder, who shot simply 43 % from the sector whereas making solely 12-of-37 three-pointers.
James mentioned the Lakers had been decided to not let up after making a quick begin in opposition to the Western Convention leaders.
“Between them and Cleveland, they’re one of the best groups within the NBA,” James mentioned. “They’re the primary staff within the West so you possibly can’t let up it doesn’t matter what the rating is — they’re all the time going to make a push. That’s why they’re the place they’re at this a part of the season.
“So it’s a very good win for us and we will construct off it… we’re simply attempting to construct our habits proper now, going into the ultimate stretch of the 12 months.”
Reaves believes the consequence augured effectively for the ultimate week of the common season, which reaches its conclusion on April 13.
Six groups are battling for 4 playoff spots within the West, from the third-placed Lakers (48-30) all the way down to the eighth-placed Memphis Grizzlies (46-32).
“It’s enormous,” Reaves mentioned. “The best way the standings are, you possibly can go from third to eighth within the snap of a finger. So for us to return in and play such staff the way in which we did tonight is large. Hopefully we will construct on that momentum.”
The groups will meet once more on Tuesday in Oklahoma Metropolis.
The Thunder scored fewer than 100 factors for the primary time since November 15.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2, left, of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder drives to the basket round Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the course of the second quarter at Paycom Heart, Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma on April 6, 2025 (William Purnell/Getty Photographs by way of AFP)
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